Hyundai to Launch Humanoid Robot Fleet in Georgia by 2028
Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its definitive roadmap for the “Physical AI” era, headlined by the deployment of humanoid robots at its U.S. manufacturing facilities starting in 2028.
The South Korean automotive giant will utilize the production-ready version of the Atlas humanoid robot, developed by its subsidiary Boston Dynamics, to work alongside human employees at its flagship electric vehicle (EV) facility in Georgia.
This initiative, part of Hyundai’s broader “Partnering Human Progress” strategy, marks one of the most significant shifts in automotive manufacturing history.
Hyundai aims to establish a production system capable of manufacturing 30,000 robot units annually by 2028.
This move signals the company’s intent to transition humanoid technology from laboratory experiments to large-scale industrial commercialization.
The Roadmap: From Parts Sequencing to Assembly
Hyundai has outlined a phased rollout for the Atlas robots to ensure safety and operational quality.
The deployment will begin at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Savannah, Georgia—the company’s $7.6 billion EV and battery hub.
- Phase 1 (2028): Atlas will initially handle parts sequencing and logistics. These tasks involve sorting, classifying, and moving components to the assembly line, reducing the physical strain on human workers.
- Phase 2 (2030): The robots are expected to move into component assembly. By this stage, the humanoids will take on more complex, repetitive motions and handle heavy loads (up to 50 kg or 110 lbs) that are traditionally high-risk for human injury.
- Long-Term Goal: Hyundai plans to integrate Atlas across its entire global manufacturing network, eventually expanding its use into construction, facility management, and even the B2C consumer market.
Hyundai Motor Technical Mastery: The New Electric Atlas
The production version of Atlas showcased at CES 2026 is a significant departure from previous hydraulic versions. This all-electric model features:
- Exceptional Flexibility: With 56 degrees of freedom and joints that can rotate beyond human limits, Atlas can navigate cramped factory floors more efficiently than a human.
- Human-Scale Dexterity: The robot is equipped with three-fingered hands featuring tactile sensing, allowing it to handle delicate car parts and operate industrial machinery independently.
- Environmental Resilience: Designed for the rigors of a factory, Atlas can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C.
[Image: A comparison of the “Legacy Hydraulic Atlas” vs. the “2026 Production Electric Atlas” highlighting the slimmer profile and rotational joints]
The “Physical AI” Ecosystem and Global Partnerships
To power these machines, Hyundai is leveraging a “Group Value Network.”
Hyundai Mobis is developing high-performance actuators while Hyundai Glovis optimizes the robot supply chain.
Simultaneously, the group is leaning on global tech leaders to refine the “brain” of the robot.
The company has deepened its collaboration with NVIDIA to advance its AI infrastructure and simulation capabilities.
Simultaneously, it is partnering with Google DeepMind to equip the Atlas robot with sophisticated autonomous learning.
To facilitate this, Hyundai will open a Robot Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) in the U.S. this year.
This center will serve as a “digital twin” testing ground for humanoid development.
Within this space, robots will undergo training via simulation and remote operation before stepping onto the actual factory floor.
Hyundai Motor Addressing the Human Element
The move comes amid lingering labor concerns.
Last year, the labor union at Hyundai affiliate Kia Corp called for a formal body to protect worker rights in the AI era.
Hyundai Vice Chairman Jaehoon Chang addressed these anxieties at CES by emphasizing that robots will take over “dull, dirty, and dangerous” jobs.
Despite this shift, he maintained that humans will remain essential for supervising, training, and maintaining the robot fleet.
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