Hyundai to Fully Own Boston Dynamics After SoftBank Stake Purchase
Hyundai Motor Group will acquire SoftBank Group’s remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for approximately $325 million. As a result, the U.S.-based robotics company will become a wholly owned Hyundai subsidiary.
The transaction finalises Hyundai’s control of Boston Dynamics, one of the world’s leading humanoid robotics developers. Moreover, the deal values the robotics company at approximately $3.4 billion, significantly higher than its 2021 valuation.
Hyundai Expands Physical AI Ambitions
The acquisition follows a put option that allowed SoftBank to sell its remaining shares back to Hyundai under the terms of their 2020 agreement. Previously, Hyundai acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics for about $880 million, with the deal closing in 2021 and valuing the company at $1.1 billion.
Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to strengthen its “physical AI” strategy. Earlier this year, the company showcased a production version of the electric Atlas humanoid robot and confirmed plans to deploy it at its Metaplant America factory in Georgia starting in 2028.
Furthermore, Hyundai aims to build an annual production capacity of 30,000 Atlas robots by 2028. Initially, the robots will perform parts sequencing and repetitive manufacturing tasks before expanding into component assembly by 2030.
Additionally, Hyundai has partnered with Nvidia and Google to improve robot safety, operational efficiency, and real-world deployment.
SoftBank Ends Boston Dynamics Ownership
The transaction marks SoftBank’s complete exit from Boston Dynamics after first acquiring the robotics company from Alphabet in 2017. Later, SoftBank sold its controlling stake to Hyundai while retaining a minority holding that gradually declined to 9.65% through dilution.
With this sale complete, SoftBank has fully exited its investment in Boston Dynamics and continues to focus its broader strategy on artificial intelligence investments.
