Hyundai Motor Group plans to introduce humanoid robots with artificial intelligence from Boston Dynamics at its automobile plants in the United States from 2026, using automation to counter rising costs due to duties imposed by Donald Trump, Nikkei reports.
Despite record sales — Hyundai Motor and Kia increased revenue by 6% in 2025, and U.
S. shipments exceeded one million vehicles for the first time — profits plummeted as margins in North America were squeezed by duties that cost the group about 7 trillion won last year. Given the possible next increase in duties, Hyundai is accelerating localization, aiming to increase production in the United States from 40% in 2025 to 80% by 2030 and increase capital investment to 9 trillion won in 2026.
The central element of this strategy is the introduction of the Atlas humanoid robot from Boston Dynamics, capable of lifting heavy loads, working continuously and learning quickly, with a planned mass production volume of about 30,000 units per year by 2028. Although each unit is expensive for initial purchase, analysts estimate that operating costs can decrease to a fraction of the cost of human labor in large-scale production. Hyundai is also working with Nvidia and Google to integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing, solidifying its transition from a traditional automaker to a broader player in mobility and robotics. Investors reacted positively to the move, pushing stocks to record highs, although resistance from workers and fears of job losses remain a short-term concern due to the introduction of robots in car factories.
