Hyundai will start using humanoid robots in car factories
Hyundai announced plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its plant in Georgia, USA. According to the company, the first robots may start working as early as 2028. These are bipedal machines designed to perform manufacturing tasks alongside traditional industrial equipment.
What is known
Atlas is developed by Boston Dynamics, which Hyundai acquired in 2021. Unlike demonstration versions focused on tricks, the current modification is designed for practical use. The robot is equipped with human-sized manipulators with tactile sensors, has fully movable joints, and is capable of lifting loads weighing up to 50 kg.
In the first stage, Atlas will perform auxiliary operations: sorting, moving, and preparing parts before they are installed on a car. More complex assembly processes will be mastered by robots later. Hyundai expects that humanoid machines will be able to safely and reliably perform part of the tasks on the conveyor by 2030.
The company emphasizes that it views robots as a complement to human labor, not a replacement. According to Hyundai's plan, automated systems will take over routine, heavy, or potentially dangerous operations, while employees will focus on process control, training, and more complex types of work. It is also noted that the introduction of robots creates demand for new professions related to their development, programming, and maintenance.
At the same time, the project raises concerns among unions and some workers who fear the impact of automation on employment in the long term. Hyundai states that it is considering these risks and intends to maintain the key role of humans in production processes, even as the level of automation increases.
Source: Hyundai
