In a significant boost to its robotics vision, Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled ambitious plans to acquire “tens of thousands” of robots from the innovative Boston Dynamics over the coming years. This strategic partnership not only solidifies Hyundai’s foothold in the burgeoning robotics industry but also sets a blueprint for integrating high-level robotics into automotive manufacturing processes.
Hyundai, headquartered in Seoul, has already started deploying Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots to enhance industrial inspection and predictive maintenance within its facilities. Furthermore, the company intends to incorporate Atlas, the legged robot, across its manufacturing plants. Unveiling these plans, Jaehoon Chang, vice chair of Hyundai Motor Group, emphasized the profound role of robotics and artificial intelligence in transforming their business ecosystem, stating, “Through our collaboration, we will expedite the process to achieve leadership in the robotics industry.”
This enhanced collaboration between the automotive giant and the robotics pioneer comes as Hyundai announces a massive $21 billion investment in the U.S., aimed at driving innovation and forging strategic alliances with American companies. Earlier in the year, Boston Dynamics revealed new partnerships with tech giants like NVIDIA, Google DeepMind, and sister company, the Robotics & AI Institute (RAI), further augmenting its development of cutting-edge robotics solutions.
Apr 2024 marked a pivotal moment for Boston Dynamics as they rolled out an electric version of their Atlas robot, slated for testing with Hyundai and select industry partners by 2025. This version earned recognition with an RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award, underscoring the robot’s potential in real-world applications.
As Boston Dynamics and Hyundai progress towards large-scale deployments, the humanoid robot market, increasingly competitive and crowded, is witnessing key milestones. This year, GXO deployed Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoids at a Spanx facility in Georgia, while Schaeffler AG invested in Agility with plans to incorporate Digit robots across its plants globally. Moreover, Figure AI has started distributing its Figure 02 system to its inaugural clients, including a covert testing period by BMW Group on their production line in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Despite being yet to announce paying customers, Apptronik is making strides with its Apollo humanoid, in collaboration with industry stalwarts like Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics, evaluating its application in real-world scenarios. Projections by Goldman Sachs suggest a burgeoning market for humanoid robots, estimated to exceed $38 billion by 2035. This signals a strong opportunity for Boston Dynamics, in tandem with Hyundai, to leverage their combined expertise to revolutionize productivity and efficiency in manufacturing using advanced robotics.
“The commitment from Hyundai Motor Group signifies a pivotal moment for Boston Dynamics, poised to become our largest customer,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. This move not only establishes Hyundai as a major player for products like Stretch, but also opens up pathways for strategic customer networks in robotics, automotive, and electronics sectors.
Looking ahead, the Robotics Summit & Expo, slated for April 30 and May 1 in Boston, promises to be a convergence point for top-tier robotics innovation. Aaron Saunders, CTO of Boston Dynamics, will headline the event, providing insights into the development journey of the electric Atlas and the broader scope of humanoid robotics.
Complemented by an expert panel featuring leaders from Agility Robotics, ASTM International, and Schaeffler, the summit aims to explore technical innovations, business ramifications, and the evolving landscape of humanoid robotics. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives from over 5,000 developers on the forefront of building commercial robotics applications, engaging with the latest technologies and trends shaping the future of this dynamic industry landscape.