Hyundai Outlines U.S. Robotics Scale-Up Following Boston Dynamics Buyout

Hyundai Motor Company is expanding its U.S. robotics operations following its acquisition of SoftBank's remaining shares in Boston Dynamics. The transaction made the robotics developer a wholly owned Hyundai subsidiary and supports the automaker's effort to diversify beyond vehicles into physical AI and automation.

Hyundai plans to expand its Robot Metaplant Application Center in Savannah, Georgia, by more than tenfold before the end of 2026. Opened in June, the center simulates factory environments, trains robots and conducts testing, data collection and validation before commercial deployment.

The facility operates within Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, where the company manufactures electric vehicles. Hyundai intends to use its automotive business, which generates nearly 80% of revenue, to finance growth in robotics and autonomous mobility.

José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, stated:

"We are transitioning to a physical AI and technology company. We will be building, deploying, even financing robotics at scale."

Hyundai is also evaluating locations for a U.S. robotics manufacturing facility. The company expects American production of Boston Dynamics humanoids and other robots to begin in 2028, targeting annual capacity of approximately 30,000 units.

According to Hyundai, customers have already guaranteed orders covering the first 25,000 units. The company has not disclosed the proposed manufacturing site's location or investment value but said additional details will be announced later.

Boston Dynamics develops the Atlas humanoid, Spot quadruped and Stretch warehouse robot. Hyundai plans to deploy Atlas at its Georgia metaplant for parts sequencing in 2028 before expanding the robot's responsibilities to component assembly by 2030.

The expansion builds on Hyundai's 2021 acquisition of an 80% controlling stake in Boston Dynamics for $1.1 billion. Its purchase of SoftBank's remaining interest, reportedly valued at approximately $325 million, consolidates control as Hyundai prepares for large-scale commercial robot production.