Camilla Jessen
Robots could take over car assembly by 2028.
Hyundai has unveiled plans to deploy 30,000 humanoid robots across its car factories worldwide.
The announcement was made during the CES technology show in Las Vegas.
The robots will initially be assigned to what Hyundai describes as the most physically demanding and repetitive tasks. Over time, their role is expected to expand far beyond basic support work.
At the center of the plan is Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, which is owned by Hyundai.
What the robots can do
Atlas stands about 190 centimeters tall and can lift objects weighing up to 50 kilograms. It is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to plus 40 degrees Celsius.
According to Hyundai, the robot can be programmed in a single day, replaces its own batteries and can function around the clock without breaks, illness or fatigue.
The first units will be deployed in factories in the United States and South Korea, handling logistics tasks such as sorting parts and moving components around production lines.
From logistics to assembly
Hyundai has made clear that logistics is only the starting point. The long-term plan is for the robots to take on direct vehicle assembly work.
By 2028, the company expects all 30,000 robots to be fully integrated into production.
Hyundai also intends to sell the technology to other industries, including logistics and construction, potentially reshaping labor markets far beyond car manufacturing.
The company describes the strategy as “human-centric automation,” arguing that robots will work alongside people rather than replace them.
Workers fear the cost
For Hyundai’s roughly 250,000 employees worldwide, the announcement has sparked anxiety. Labor unions have warned that large-scale automation could lead to job losses, despite assurances from management.
Hyundai plans to invest around $28.4 billion in the project over the next four years, including building a dedicated robot manufacturing facility in Georgia.
Sources: Boosted
