Hyundai Motor Group to unveil AI robotics strategy at CES

A promotional image for Hyundai Motor Group's participation in the CES 2026 tech fair / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

Hyundai Motor Group will unveil its artificial intelligence (AI)-converged robotics business strategy at CES 2026 — driven by its next-generation all-electric humanoid robot Atlas — the carmaker said Monday.

The robot will be demonstrated for the first time at the upcoming exhibition, which runs for four days from Jan. 6 in Las Vegas. Hyundai identifies Atlas as the cornerstone of its software-defined factory (SDF) initiative.

In 2022, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun drew attention at CES by appearing onstage with Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot Spot. The group had previously acquired a controlling stake in the robotics developer for $880 million (1.3 trillion won), positioning the sector as its next major revenue stream.

Under the theme “Partnering Human Progress: AI Robotics,” Hyundai will outline its commercialization strategy for AI robots to accelerate their integration into daily life and smart factories at CES 2026.

Atlas — also developed by Boston Dynamics — will take center stage at CES 2026. The state-of-the-art humanoid will begin test operations at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, the company's latest EV factory, in 2026, autonomously handling basic tasks like sorting and moving auto parts.

The carmaker will also unveil a strategy to expand its AI robotics ecosystem by converging robots with the carmaker’s software-defined factories across the globe.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun appears on a stage with Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot dog Spot, on the sidelines of the CES tech exhibition in Las Vegas, Jan. 4, 2022. Yonhap

“SDFs are high-tech smart factories operated by datasets and software, and the next-generation manufacturing facilities are capable of maximizing flexibility and agility in every production process,” an official from Hyundai Motor said.

In 2023, the carmaker opened its first-ever SDF in Singapore — Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore. The facility can produce some 30,000 EVs annually, and more than 70 percent of its assembly and inspection process has already been automated through AI and robots.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to evolve from one of the world's largest automakers into a comprehensive robotics solutions provider over the long term.

“We will strengthen our position in the AI robotics by engaging in every single robot manufacturing process from its initial development to training and operation,” the official said.

At the carmaker’s exhibition hall, visitors will be able to experience the firm’s virtual AI robotics research environment and receive a tech briefing on cutting-edge AI robotics technologies.

Hyundai Motor Group attends CES biennially. The carmaker focused on promoting its vision for future mobility, such as hydrogen cars and software-defined vehicles, during CES 2024.

However, CES 2026 will be a venue for the carmaker to express its next-generation technological direction, driven by the AI and robotics.

The carmaker also aims to revive its self-driving ambitions by drawing global attention to its renewed robotics vision at the world's largest tech fair.