Hyundai Plans 25,000 ‘Atlas’ Humanoid Robots for Factories by 2028

Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to deploy 25,000 Atlas humanoid robots in its factories by 2028, marking one of the largest commercial commitments to humanoid robotics in manufacturing. This ambitious scale signals a shift from pilot programs to mass production, potentially accelerating the adoption of humanoid robots in industrial settings.

Atlas, originally developed by Boston Dynamics (acquired by Hyundai in 2020), is a bipedal humanoid robot designed for dynamic locomotion and manipulation. While previous Atlas iterations focused on research and agility demonstrations, Hyundai’s plan targets practical factory applications such as material handling, assembly, and logistics. The move positions Hyundai against competitors like Tesla (Optimus) and Figure AI, who are also targeting manufacturing with humanoid robots.

Hyundai’s Atlas variant will likely incorporate electric actuators for quieter, more efficient operation compared to the hydraulic systems in earlier research models. The robot is expected to have a payload capacity of around 20 kg per arm and a walking speed of up to 2.5 m/s. For factory use, reliability and endurance are prioritized over acrobatic feats; thus, the design may include simplified joints and enhanced battery life for multi-shift operation. The robot’s hands are likely to be underactuated grippers optimized for repetitive tasks rather than full dexterity.

The 25,000-unit target implies a significant ramp in production, requiring cost reductions through scale and supply chain optimization. Hyundai’s existing automotive manufacturing expertise could facilitate integration, with Atlas robots working alongside traditional automation. The deployment will be phased, starting with pilot lines in 2025 and scaling to full production by 2028.

If successful, this could validate humanoid robots as a viable workforce in factories, potentially influencing other automakers and logistics companies. However, challenges remain in safety certification, software reliability, and return on investment. Hyundai’s commitment may spur further investment in humanoid technology, but the 2028 timeline is aggressive given current capabilities.

Source: eWeek