Hyundai outlines a plan to mass-produce humanoid robots

Hyundai (HYMLF) said at CES 2026 that it plans to build a manufacturing system capable of producing thousands of humanoid robots each year by 2028. The announcement places the automaker among a growing group of companies targeting large-scale robot production.

The effort centers on Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics. Atlas is known for its ability to navigate obstacles and handle heavy objects. Hyundai acquired a majority stake in Boston Dynamics in a 2021 deal that valued the company at $1.1 billion.

Hyundai said it will begin deploying Atlas robots in its facilities in 2028. Initial use will focus on parts sequencing, ensuring vehicle components arrive at the correct locations in plants when needed.

By 2030, Hyundai plans to expand Atlas duties to more complex tasks. These include component assembly, as well as jobs involving repetitive motion or heavy lifting.

To support production, Hyundai said it will use its Hyundai Mobis auto parts unit and Hyundai Glovis logistics arm to create an end-to-end robotics value chain. The company said this system could support annual output of about 30,000 robots.

Hyundai also plans to expand its robotics-as-a-service model. Under the approach, customers pay subscription fees to use robots rather than purchasing them outright.

The company faces growing competition. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said Tesla aims to make its Optimus humanoid robots widely used by businesses. Figure, Apptronik, and Agility Robotics are also developing humanoid machines, with Agility’s Digit already operating in some Amazon warehouses.

Other companies are targeting consumers and global markets. 1X Technologies offers its Neo home robot by subscription or purchase. China’s Unitree sells the G1 and H1 humanoid robots at different price points.

Nvidia, a Hyundai partner, is also investing in physical AI and humanoid robotics as future growth areas.

Humanoid robots remain a new category despite long-standing use of industrial machines. Companies see potential for humanoid designs to work in existing environments with minimal changes. Their broader adoption, particularly in homes, remains uncertain.