A Hyundai robotics engineer cautioned that humanoid robots remain far from meeting public expectations, even as the South Korean automaker’s Boston Dynamics unit unveiled its electric Atlas robot at CES 2026 to compete directly with Tesla’s Optimus.
The interview comes as the American company’s announcement of its new humanoid robot ‘Atlas’ — unveiled earlier this week at the CES 2026.
Unlike the previous hydraulic version, the electric Atlas is designed for commercial deployment in industrial settings.
Production of the new robot will begin “immediately” as the company seeks to rival Tesla‘s humanoid ‘Optimus’.
The Korean automaker’s first autonomous mobility robot platform, ‘MobED’, was also presented during the conversation with the publication.
Founded in 1992 by Marc Raibert, Boston Dynamics is an American robotics company that debuted its first quadruped robot — named ‘BigDog’ — in 2004.
Hyundai Motor Group acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics in June 2021.
Hyundai x Boston Dynamics
Amid the ‘Atlas’ announcement, Hyundai‘s Vice President and Head of Robotics Lab Dong Jin Hyun told Bloomberg that the two companies share “some research” with each other.
The executive added that the “technology has to flow” between both firms and that Hyundai “learns from Boston Dynamics”.
“Also, we let Boston Dynamics know our strengths,” he added.
In the same discussion, the executive also showcased the company’s first autonomous mobility robot platform, ‘MobED’, which was awarded Top Innovation at CES 2026.
Hyun highlighted that the robot can “stabilize its base body”, being able to “adapt to the off-terrain in the outdoors”.
Additionally, due to its “smart navigation algorithm powered by AI”, ‘MobED’ can be utilized to process door-to-door delivery services.
Sales of Hyundai‘s robot are expected to begin later this quarter.
Asian Investment in Humanoids
Hyundai‘s Boston Dynamics is joined by other Asian automakers, which have been investing in the robotic industry — especially Chinese brands —, following in Tesla‘s footsteps.
In 2024, XPeng released its first-generation ‘IRON’ humanoid robot, with “more than 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom” and technology shared from the brand’s EV models.
Late last year, at its AI Day event, the Guangzhou-based company unveiled the Next-Gen ‘IRON’ as it prepares to start production.
The state-owned manufacturer Changan Automobile has also been pushing ahead with the development of its own humanoid robots, as well as Chery Automobile Group, with its ‘Aimoga’ robot.
Nio’s Approach
While other Asian companies are focusing on humanoid robots, Nio has preferred not to rush into this new industry, thus opting for a “late-comer strategy”, according to William Li, the company’s CEO.
“In some areas, we should adopt a late-comer strategy and let others take the lead first. It doesn’t mean that we can’t do it, won’t do it, or are unwilling to do it. It’s not like that,” the executive reiterated.
However, Li acknowledged the inevitability of automotive companies being involved in the AI and robotics industries due to the overlapping technology requirements.
Tesla’s Investment
Tesla was among the first companies to bet on the humanoid robot industry.
The Elon Musk-led company is developing its humanoid ‘Optimus’ and is planning to release its third-generation variant later this quarter.
The robot’s mass production is planned to begin later this year.
Tesla aims to scale ‘Optimus’ manufacturing to around 4 million units per year by the end of 2027, with a long-term vision of building a massive 10 million-unit-per-year line at its factory in Giga Texas.
Although ‘Atlas’ serves as a direct competitor to ‘Optimus’, Musk has been silent on the Boston Dynamics’ announcement thus far.
