Boston Dynamics unveiled its latest Atlas humanoid robot at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, marking the system's transition from research prototype to commercial product. The all-electric robot demonstrated a remarkably human-like walk during Hyundai's press event, showcasing capabilities developed over more than a decade of research.
Hyundai plans to manufacture 30,000 Atlas robots annually starting in 2028, according to company announcements at the show. Production will begin at the automaker's Metaplant facility in Savannah, Georgia, where the humanoids will initially handle parts sequencing tasks before advancing to component assembly by 2030.
The new Atlas features 56 degrees of freedom with fully rotational joints, up from 50 degrees reported in April 2025. It can lift 110 pounds, operate in temperatures from -4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and replace its own batteries for continuous all-day operation. Human-scale hands with tactile sensors enable material handling and machine tending.
Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter told WIRED that manufacturing environments represent "a perfect place to deploy" the robot's contextual awareness and manipulation capabilities. The company aims for "harmonious collaboration between humans and robots" rather than human replacement, focusing on safer work environments for factory employees.
Hyundai's $1.1 billion acquisition of Boston Dynamics, announced in December 2020 and completed in June 2021, positioned the automaker to compete directly with Tesla's Optimus robot. Tesla plans to reveal its latest Optimus version in February or March 2026, with production slated to begin by year's end according to CEO Elon Musk.
The Atlas robot will leverage Google's Gemini AI models through a newly announced partnership with Google DeepMind. Gemini Robotics will provide the intelligence needed for navigation, object identification, and manipulation in unfamiliar environments. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis envisions Gemini becoming an Android-like platform for multiple robot manufacturers.
Competition in the humanoid robotics space has intensified, with more than 200 Chinese firms developing similar systems according to industry association CMRA. Mercedes-Benz has invested in Apptronik, while BMW tests Figure AI robots at its South Carolina factory. Unitree, another Chinese competitor, plans an IPO later this year.
Boston Dynamics' existing Spot robot sells for approximately $75,000, suggesting Atlas could cost significantly more. The company has consistently lost millions annually despite viral fame from demonstrations featuring parkour, gymnastics, and backflips. Hyundai's manufacturing scale and $26 billion U.S. investment aim to reduce production costs.
Safety remains a critical concern as humanoid robots enter industrial settings. Google DeepMind's Carolina Parada noted that Gemini will perform "artificial reasoning" to preempt dangerous behavior beyond existing physical safety controls. Playter acknowledged that "even the little ones can be dangerous" when discussing safety guarantees.
The transition from impressive demonstrations to cost-effective factory workers represents Hyundai's bet on physical AI becoming the largest segment of the robotics market. With Atlas scheduled to begin real work in 2028, the automotive giant aims to establish early dominance in humanoid manufacturing automation.
