Hyundai Motor CEO underscores role of autonomous driving, AI robotics

Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz speaks during a session of the 2026 Semafor World Economy forum in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz has underscored the role of autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI) robotics in leading the future of mobility and the need to quickly pivot the company's strategy to meet changing consumer demand.

He shared the agenda as a speaker in the Future of Mobility track session of the 2026 Semafor World Economy forum in the United States, Tuesday (local time). This year’s session was led by Genesis as the track sponsor.

He has particularly expressed the carmaker’s confidence in driving the era of self-driving.

“Even now, you can ride Waymo vehicles in San Francisco and IONIQ 5-based Motional robotaxis in Las Vegas, and in the future, you will be able to see IONIQ 5 autonomous vehicles throughout the U.S.,” Munoz said.

Hyundai Motor Group will also deploy proprietary technologies on a large scale through Motional, and more autonomous driving technology will be equipped in consumer vehicles as well, he added.

The top executive from the Korean automaker also stressed the importance of AI and robotics technology, citing the firm’s recent decision to deploy Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots on its major production lines.

“We do not view robots as a means of workforce reduction; robots are meant to make workers’ lives more comfortable,” he said. “Increasing productivity, reducing costs and improving quality is precisely what we aim to achieve through the physical AI.”

Munoz also spoke highly of the carmaker’s strategy of diversifying its vehicle lineups powered by multiple engine types, calling it one of the major success factors for the carmaker.

“We have pursued a strategy of parallel deployment of internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles,” he said.

“Hyundai Motor Group made the decision to conduct hybrid production at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, which broke ground last year, and this is an example of how we have focused on electrification and pivoted our strategy in line with demand from consumers.”