Atlas, Boston Dynamics’ Tesla Bot Rival, to Build Hyundai Cars by 2028

Boston Dynamics recently introduced an upgraded version of its humanoid robot, Atlas, at the CES in Las Vegas. This advanced robot, equipped with a battery-powered body and 360-degree rotating joints, is set to join the workforce at Hyundai’s factories.

Hyundai’s Vision for Atlas

Hyundai plans to mass-produce Atlas as a “production-ready humanoid robot.” The company’s initial production will occur at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia. Starting in 2028, Hyundai estimates it will manufacture 30,000 Atlas units annually.

Planned Automation and Tasks

In 2028, Hyundai aims to deploy Atlas for tasks that improve safety and quality, such as parts sequencing. By 2030, the robot is expected to handle more complex operations, including repetitive motions and heavy loads. Hyundai emphasizes a vision of collaboration between humans and robots while addressing concerns about potential job losses due to automation.

Technological Advancements

• Atlas features 56 degrees of freedom (DoF), an increase from previous models.
• The robot has human-scale hands with tactile sensing.
• Atlas is capable of autonomously performing most tasks after a brief training period.
• It can lift up to 110 pounds (50kg) and operates in extreme temperatures from -4°F to 104°F.
• The robot is designed to swap out its own batteries for continuous operation.

Competitive Landscape

Hyundai’s efforts position Atlas against rivals like Tesla’s Optimus robot. Despite recent AI advancements driving Tesla’s growth, Hyundai aims to offer a more capable and advanced robot for industrial applications.

Cost and Production Considerations

The manufacturing costs of Atlas are not yet disclosed. However, the anticipated expense is considerably higher than Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots, which retail around $75,000 each. Hyundai believes that its established supply chain and expertise in AI-based manufacturing will help streamline production and control costs.

Economic Impact and Future Collaborations

Hyundai’s $21 billion investment in the US aims to create approximately 14,000 direct jobs, while potentially generating over 100,000 indirect jobs. The automaker has also partnered with Google’s DeepMind to enhance its robotic capabilities using advanced AI models.

As Hyundai prepares for the large-scale deployment of Atlas, the transition from prototype to practical production presents both challenges and opportunities in the growing field of automation.