By: Wael Magdy

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company plans to deploy humanoid robots at its Georgia plant starting in 2028, a move aimed at automating high-risk and repetitive manufacturing tasks. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, the company unveiled the production version of its humanoid robot "Atlas," developed by its Boston Dynamics subsidiary. Hyundai did not disclose the number of robots or their cost, but stated its intention to use them across all its manufacturing sites as part of a campaign dubbed "Physical Artificial Intelligence." The company explained that the robots will handle component arrangement and assembly tasks starting in 2028, with applications to be gradually expanded after safety and quality benefits are verified. Meanwhile, Kia... Last year, the Hyundai Motor subsidiary called on its labor union to establish a body to address potential labor rights issues in preparation for the artificial intelligence era, after workers expressed concerns about the increasing adoption of automated systems.

For his part, Jae-Hoon Chang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor, said the company understands the concerns about job losses, but will still need human resources to maintain and train robots, noting that the next phase will also require hiring additional staff.

The company predicted that humanoid robots will become the largest segment of the "physical artificial intelligence" market, which includes AI systems embedded in devices, capable of collecting real-world data and making independent decisions in areas such as robotics, smart factories, and autonomous driving. It stated that deploying robots aims to reduce physical strain on workers by taking over high-risk and repetitive tasks.