Hyundai's US Factory Gears Up For Humanoid Workforce

The factory floor of the future is fast approaching, with South Korean automotive giant Hyundai announcing plans to deploy humanoid robots at its US manufacturing plant in Georgia. This bold move positions Hyundai at the forefront of a growing trend, as companies worldwide race to integrate advanced robotics into their operations. These aren't just any machines; we're talking about Atlas, a sophisticated humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, a technology firm Hyundai holds a majority stake in. The carmaker showcased Atlas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, confirming the robots will begin work in 2028, gradually taking on more responsibilities. Hyundai envisions these mechanical colleagues easing the physical burden on human staff, tackling hazardous tasks, and paving the way for wider adoption of this cutting-edge technology. This places Hyundai alongside other major players like Amazon, Tesla, and Chinese carmaker BYD, all actively exploring human-like robots for their factory floors. However, the prospect of robots joining the workforce inevitably raises questions about job security for human employees. Hyundai's vice chair, Jaehoon Chang, acknowledged these concerns at CES, but stressed that people will still be vital for roles such as training the new robotic recruits. Intriguingly, this significant technological leap is planned for the very same Georgia facility that made headlines in 2025 following a controversial immigration raid. The incident saw hundreds of workers, including many South Korean citizens, arrested and even shackled, sparking outrage and diplomatic tensions between Washington and Seoul. The raid prompted apologies from the White House and concerns from both Hyundai's chief executive and South Korea's President about deterring foreign investment. While the immediate crisis was resolved, the plant's history adds a layer of complexity to its future, now set to be shaped by advanced robotics. The robot deployment forms part of Hyundai's broader commitment to the US, which includes a 2025 pledge to invest over $20 billion (£15.5 billion) in American manufacturing, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence, aligning with efforts to boost domestic production. As the lines between human and machine continue to blur on the factory floor, Hyundai's bold step in Georgia offers a glimpse into an increasingly automated industrial future. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.bbc.co.uk | Read original article