Hyundai Motor Group is moving deeper into AI-powered automotive manufacturing by training Boston Dynamics’ humanoid Atlas robots to perform tasks inside real automobile production environments. The latest step is the launch of the Robotics Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, where Atlas robots are being trained for manufacturing applications.
The initial focus is on practical factory work rather than replacing entire production lines. Atlas is being trained for tasks such as automotive-parts logistics and sequencing, where components need to be prepared and placed in the correct order before assembly. Hyundai plans to begin deploying Atlas at its Metaplant America facility from 2028, subject to technology validation and operational readiness.
Hyundai's roadmap goes further. The company expects Atlas applications to expand toward component assembly by 2030, followed by additional repetitive, physically demanding and potentially higher-risk manufacturing tasks. The objective is to create a human-centered factory where robots handle strenuous work while employees supervise, train and manage robotic systems.
The technology is part of Hyundai's broader Physical AI and software-defined factory strategy. Atlas combines advanced sensors, mobility, manipulation and AI-driven learning to operate in environments designed around human workers. Boston Dynamics says the RMAC will be expanded significantly in 2027 to support further training and automotive deployment.
Hyundai is also planning large-scale production of humanoid robots. The group has announced plans for a US facility capable of producing up to 30,000 robots annually, while targeting deployment of 25,000 robots across Hyundai and Kia plants over the coming years.
This could mark a major shift in the automobile industry: cars may increasingly be manufactured by AI-powered robots that can learn and adapt to new factory tasks.
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