Hyundai Plans 25,000 Atlas Robots for Future Smart Factories
Hyundai Motor Group is moving forward with one of the largest humanoid robot rollouts ever planned for manufacturing. The company intends to deploy more than 25,000 Atlas robots across Hyundai and Kia production facilities in the United States.
The rollout will begin in 2028 at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Savannah, Georgia. Subsequently, the program will expand to Kia’s Georgia facility during the second half of 2029.
The strategy was first revealed at CES 2026 and includes annual production capacity for 30,000 Atlas robots by 2028. In addition, the facility will manufacture more than 300,000 actuator units each year.
Initially, Atlas robots will focus on parts sequencing tasks. However, their responsibilities will gradually expand to component assembly by 2030. Eventually, they will support heavy lifting, repetitive work, and more complex manufacturing operations.
Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to strengthen development through partnerships with Nvidia and Google. These collaborations aim to improve safety, efficiency, and real-world deployment capabilities. At the same time, Boston Dynamics has confirmed that all Atlas deployments scheduled for 2026 have already been allocated.
Kia CEO Song Ho-sung recently outlined the phased deployment strategy during overseas investor road shows. The plan starts with the Georgia Metaplant and later extends to manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Atlas Takes the Field Before FIFA World Cup 2026
Alongside its industrial expansion, Hyundai has launched a new marketing campaign called “School of Football” featuring the Atlas robot ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
The campaign highlights Atlas learning football-inspired movements and real-world physical skills. As a result, viewers see the robot perform drills, practice techniques, and celebrate achievements while demonstrating advances in physical AI.
The promotional materials also showcase Atlas performing a “Ghost Rabona” football trick. According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min appeared impressed by the robot’s performance.
Robotics Drive Hyundai’s Future Vision
The Atlas deployment reflects Hyundai’s broader ambition to evolve beyond traditional automobile manufacturing. Instead, the company is expanding its focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, and hydrogen technologies.
Atlas can lift up to 110 pounds and operate autonomously in industrial environments. Moreover, the robot can reportedly learn most assigned tasks in less than a day.
Hyundai believes robots can reduce physical strain on workers by handling hazardous and repetitive duties. Consequently, employees can focus on higher-value responsibilities while production efficiency improves.
Beyond automotive manufacturing, the company also views Atlas as a foundation for future commercial robotics applications. Therefore, the upcoming rollout could play a significant role in shaping the next generation of intelligent industrial automation.
