Hyundai Shocks CES 2026 With Human-Like Robot That Feels, Lifts 50kg, and Spins Its Joints 360 Degrees

Hyundai Motor Group has revealed its next-generation humanoid robot Atlas at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, marking a major expansion beyond automobiles into AI-powered robotics.

At its CES 2026 Media Day on January 5 (local time), Hyundai presented its robotics strategy under the theme “AI Robotics: From the Lab to Life.” The company stated that its goal is not merely to replace dangerous labor, but to develop robots that can safely collaborate with humans in real working environments.

Developed jointly with Hyundai’s U.S. robotics subsidiary Boston Dynamics, Atlas was unveiled in physical form for the first time. The development model features 56 degrees of freedom, tactile sensors in its hands, and 360-degree environmental perception through cameras. It can lift up to 50 kilograms and operate reliably in temperatures ranging from –20°C to 40°C.

Hyundai plans to begin phased deployment of Atlas at its Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) facility in Georgia starting in 2028, initially assigning the robot to tasks such as parts sorting. Use in assembly processes may follow after 2030, depending on safety and performance verification.

The company emphasized that manufacturing plants will serve as real-world training grounds for robots, using production data to continuously improve performance. Hyundai also confirmed partnerships with Nvidia for physical AI development and Google DeepMind through Boston Dynamics to enhance humanoid robot intelligence.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to establish a mass-production system capable of producing 30,000 robots annually by 2028, while expanding robotics into manufacturing, logistics, and other industries through subscription-based Robots as a Service (RaaS) models.