LAS VEGAS: CES 2026 delivered an unexpected surprise as Hyundai shifted focus away from cars and onto robots, unveiling Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot on a public stage for the first time.
King Charles Remains Cautious About Full Reconciliation With Prince Harry
Attendees expecting vehicle announcements at Hyundai’s press conference were instead introduced to the company’s growing ambitions in robotics. The event centered on Boston Dynamics’ innovations, underscoring Hyundai’s strategy to expand beyond traditional automotive manufacturing.
The presentation opened with a choreographed dance performed by multiple Spot robots, setting an energetic tone. The highlight followed when Atlas made its first-ever public appearance, stepping onto the CES stage after years of being showcased only through lab-recorded videos.
Atlas’ demonstration allowed audiences to observe the humanoid robot operating outside a controlled research environment. During the presentation, the robot stood up from the floor using an unconventional motion. Boston Dynamics engineers explained that the movement is deliberate, as Atlas is designed for efficiency and stability rather than copying human behavior.
Hyundai’s involvement in Atlas’ development is central to its future. The automaker is working with Boston Dynamics to manufacture the robots, provide actuators, and develop the supply chain. All Atlas units produced this year are set to be delivered to Hyundai’s Robotics Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) for deployment.
The project is further supported by Google DeepMind, which is collaborating with Boston Dynamics and Hyundai to enhance Atlas’ cognitive capabilities using advanced artificial intelligence models. The goal is to help the robot better understand tasks and environments as it transitions from demonstrations to practical use.
For now, Hyundai and Boston Dynamics are focused on deploying Atlas in factory settings to prove its reliability and value. If successful, the companies say the humanoid robot could eventually expand into domestic environments, performing tasks inside homes.
