Key facts
- Hyundai Motor Group will acquire SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics.
- The deal values Boston Dynamics at approximately $1.1 billion, with SoftBank's stake acquired for $325 million.
- Hyundai plans to deploy the Atlas humanoid robot at its Georgia electric vehicle plant by 2028.
- The Atlas robot will initially perform parts sequencing tasks, with expanded roles planned by 2030.
- Hyundai acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics in 2021 for about $880 million.
Hyundai Motor Group is set to become the sole owner of U.S. robotics firm Boston Dynamics, acquiring SoftBank Group's remaining 9.65% stake for $325 million. This move follows Hyundai's initial 80% acquisition in 2021 for approximately $880 million, which valued the company at about $1.1 billion.
The full acquisition is intended to accelerate the integration of advanced robotics into Hyundai's operations. The group plans to deploy Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot at its electric vehicle plant in Georgia, beginning with parts sequencing tasks in 2028 and expanding to more complex manufacturing processes by 2030.
SoftBank had originally purchased Boston Dynamics from Alphabet in 2017. The company has gained recognition for its advanced robots, including the four-legged Spot and the humanoid Atlas, which was recently demonstrated at CES 2026, showcasing its ability to stand, walk, and be remotely piloted.
Hyundai's control over Boston Dynamics allows for a controlled deployment environment within its own factories, a critical step for validating humanoid robots for practical factory work. Hyundai Mobis, the group's components arm, is also involved in producing actuators for the Atlas robot, further integrating the supply chain.