Hyundai to Employ Atlas Humanoid Robot at Georgia Plant Starting 2028

The humanoid robot called Atlas. (Photo: Hyundai)

JAKARTA - Hyundai plans to bring a humanoid robot named Atlas to its factory in Georgia in 2028, and replace some of the workers in the factory.

Citing Carscoops, Wednesday, January 7, this is an interesting development, especially in countries that want to revive factory jobs, which emerge precisely, at least in part, are mechanical, programmable, and tireless labor.

Hyundai's move is said to respond to pressure for domestic manufacturing, but also highlights how the definition of "jobs" is shifting.

As is known, Atlas comes from Boston Dynamics, a somewhat "scary" robotics company that Hyundai bought in 2021. This version is built to work. It has human-sized hands with tactile sensors, fully rotatable joints, and the ability to lift up to 50 kg.

Initially, Atlas won't put wheels on a car or install a dashboard. The robot will start with arranging components, which basically means moving and arranging components before they are installed.

By 2030, Hyundai estimates these robots will handle more complex assembly tasks, having proven themselves capable of doing so safely and reliably.

Hyundai markets this as a collaboration, not a replacement. The robots handle the boring, dirty, and dangerous work, while humans focus on supervision, training, and high-level work.

Hyundai is not the only brand to tap into this idea. Tesla is developing its own robot and this year Mercedes started testing its own humanoid robot at its factory in Berlin.