Hyundai has deployed humanoid storage robots at the plant. VIDEO

2025: Hyundai deploys humanoid robot storekeepers at plant

Hyundai Motor Company began using Atlas humanoid robots created by Boston Dynamics to automate the sorting of automotive parts in its factories. These robots perform the functions of storekeepers, preparing components for supply to the assembly conveyor. The first test launches of the system started in 2025. The company announced this in March 2025 in an official video demonstrating the robot's operation in production conditions.

According to BostonDynamics, the project is carried out in the framework of cooperation with Hyundai, which is a world leader in the production of cars. If some processes at Hyundai enterprises are not yet automated, then there are good reasons for this, and it was such complex tasks that became the goal for the introduction of Atlas robots.

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Фото: Boston Dynamics

The job of the robot storekeeper is to perform the so-called "part assembly sequence" - a common logistical task in automotive industries. Cars of different models and sets are often assembled on the same conveyor line, and each of them requires certain parts in a strictly specified order. The Atlas robot takes parts from the incoming containers and sorts them on the outlet trolley according to the requirements of the conveyor.

Atlas Vice President and CEO Zachary Jakowski noted that the challenge of introducing robots combines many complexities that are difficult to solve with traditional automation. He stressed that if certain processes were not automated at Hyundai enterprises, then there is a good reason for this. According to him, the company, together with Hyundai, chose the ideal first task for Atlas, starting with a sequence of operations and gradually introducing the robot in production facilities, thereby opening up new opportunities for the industry.^[1]

2023: Hyundai showed a factory where cars are assembled by robot dogs. Video

At the end of November 2023, the South Korean automotive company Hyundai demonstrated a high-tech plant in Singapore, at which approximately 60% of all operations are performed by robots. It is noted that robotics is an important part of Hyundai's transformation into a provider of intelligent mobility solutions.

The Singapore facility produces Ioniq 5 electric vehicles. More than 200 automated systems of various types are involved at the site. Robots transport and install parts, carefully tighten bolts and perform laborious routine operations. Even quality control is carried out by the Spot robot dog developed by Boston Dynamics.

Hyundai demonstrated a high-tech plant where approximately 60% of all operations are performed by robots

There is no traditional production line at the plant. Instead, the assembly process is based on so-called cells that provide maximum autonomy. Special robots deliver parts and components to various cells where installation is carried out. Some robotic pallets can transport a partially assembled vehicle from one cell to another. It is noted that the cells can be reprogrammed to work with various models of vehicles. Traditional assembly lines will require significant re-equipment to provide the same adaptability.

Only about 100 human workers are involved at the Hyundai site in Singapore. At the same time, the plant is capable of producing approximately 30 thousand cars per year. Thanks to the widespread introduction of robots, the company expects to reinvent production, maximizing efficiency and reducing the burden on employees. Overall, Hyundai sees robotics and mobility as complementary directions that drive each other's development. Together, they "form a synergistic combination that will benefit businesses and contribute to progress for humanity."^[2]

2021: Boston Dynamics Robots Start

In mid-September 2021, Hyundai Motor Group began using Boston Dynamics robots to monitor safety at its car plant.

Hyundai Motor Group, which operates two leading car companies Hyundai Motor and Kia, announced the start using a four-legged Boston Dynamics Spot robot to check safety on the Kia AutoLand Gwangmyeong, Kia's car factory in Gyeonggi-do province (South Korea).

Hyundai began using Boston Dynamics robots to monitor factory safety

This is the first joint project between Hyundai and Boston Dynamics after the Korean automotive group acquired an 80% stake in the American robotic startup.

The flexibility of the Boston Dynamics Spot robot allows it to move freely in bottlenecks inaccessible to humans and on stairs. AI-based software dubbed the AI Processing Service Unit (AI Unit), developed by the robotics lab Hyundai Motor Group, enhances the robot's autonomous capabilities and functions to provide a safe work environment in factories, Hyundai said.

The AI Unit runs on deep learning technology and includes a 3D lidar, thermal imaging camera and other various sensors, so the Boston Dynamics robot can independently navigate factories, but can be manually controlled if desired. The technology used by the automaker can also check whether the equipment is overheating, or determine the opening of doors.

Hyundai explained that the data collected as part of the pilot project will be used to optimize the performance of the robot, including to support the new necessary functions, so that as a result, the robot can be fully used at other industrial facilities.^[3]

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