Insider Brief
- Hyundai is looking to buy the rest of Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, which has held a 20% stake since Hyundai acquired controlling interest in 2021.
- Hyundai said the move follows SoftBank’s exercise of a put option and remains subject to internal approvals, settlement procedures and decisions by the relevant parties.
- Hyundai said the deal would support its long-term robotics strategy, including plans to deploy Atlas at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America beginning in 2028.
Hyundai Motor Group shareholders are pursuing the acquisition of SoftBank’s entire stake in Boston Dynamics under existing agreements between the parties.
According to Hyundai, the move follows SoftBank’s notice that it is exercising its put option. The relevant shareholders are reviewing the matter through their internal governance and approval processes, and any transaction remains subject to applicable approvals, settlement procedures and decisions by the parties involved.
The company did not disclose financial terms. Hyundai acquired an 80 percent controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021, four years after SoftBank bought it from Alphabet.
Hyundai said it had been evaluating ways to increase ownership in Boston Dynamics as part of its long-term robotics strategy. The contemplated transaction is expected to support closer collaboration between Hyundai’s robotics-related businesses and Boston Dynamics.
The automaker is trying to build what it calls an end-to-end AI robotics value chain, combining Boston Dynamics’ robotics expertise with Hyundai’s manufacturing capabilities, mobility technologies and global supply chain.
Hyundai said that approach is intended to accelerate development, validation and commercialization of physical AI technologies and robotics systems.
Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot is expected to be part of that effort. Hyundai cited recent demonstrations of Atlas handling mobility, whole-body coordination and object manipulation tasks, including carrying a 23-kilogram compact refrigerator and delivering the ceremonial match ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 match.
Hyundai indicated it currently plans to deploy Atlas at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America beginning in 2028. The robot is expected to initially support parts-sequencing tasks as part of the company’s smart factory work. Hyundai said Atlas could have more of a role in manufacturing, including component assembly, by 2030 dependedent on feasibility and performance.
