Hyundai Motor Group unveils its human-centered AI Robotics Strategy at CES 2026, introducing Physical AI, smart factories, and next-generation humanoid robots designed to amplify human potential.
Hyundai Motor Group Sets the Vision for Human-Centered AI Robotics
At CES 2026, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) unveiled its transformative AI Robotics Strategy, positioning itself as a global leader in human-centered Physical AI. Presented under the theme “Partnering Human Progress,” the strategy marks a major evolution from hardware-focused robotics to adaptive, AI-driven systems designed to collaborate with people in real-world environments.
Building on its CES 2022 vision, “Expanding Human Reach,” Hyundai Motor Group showcased how AI-powered robots, smart factories, and data-driven learning ecosystems are converging to reshape industries—from manufacturing and logistics to mobility and everyday life.
What Is Physical AI?
Physical AI refers to intelligent systems that collect real-world data through hardware—such as robots, autonomous vehicles, and smart factories—and make autonomous decisions in dynamic environments. Hyundai Motor Group is leveraging its end-to-end value chain, spanning manufacturing, logistics, sales, and service, to accelerate Physical AI adoption at scale.
By digitizing real-world data and feeding it back into AI learning models, the Group is creating a continuous improvement cycle that strengthens both robotics performance and industrial productivity.
Human-Centered AI Robotics: Designed to Work With People
At the heart of Hyundai Motor Group’s strategy is a commitment to human-centric automation. Rather than replacing workers, AI Robotics are designed to:
- Reduce physical strain
- Improve workplace safety
- Handle repetitive or high-risk tasks
- Enable humans to focus on oversight, creativity, and decision-making
This approach ensures people remain in control while benefiting from intelligent robotic assistance.
Three Foundational Partnerships Driving Innovation
Hyundai Motor Group’s AI Robotics Strategy is built on three core partnerships:
- Partnering Humans with Co-Working Robots
Robots are introduced first in manufacturing environments, assisting with hazardous, repetitive, and physically demanding tasks. - Partnering the Group Value Network with Boston Dynamics
By combining Boston Dynamics’ robotics leadership with Hyundai Motor Group’s global manufacturing scale, the Group is building an End-to-End AI Robotics Value Chain. - Partnering with Global AI Leaders
Collaborations with companies such as Google DeepMind and NVIDIA accelerate the development of next-generation humanoids and Physical AI technologies.
Smart Factories and the Physical AI Ecosystem
Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its Software-Defined Factory (SDF) model, first introduced at HMGICS in Singapore and now advancing at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). These smart factories serve as real-world training grounds where robots continuously learn, adapt, and improve.
To further support innovation, the Group will establish:
- A Physical AI Application Center
- A dedicated robot manufacturing and foundry plant
- A scalable production system targeting 30,000 robots annually by 2028
CES 2026: From Vision to Reality
Visitors to Hyundai Motor Group’s CES 2026 booth experienced live demonstrations of AI Robotics in action, including Atlas, Spot, Stretch, MobED, and autonomous mobility technologies. These exhibits highlighted how AI Robotics are moving beyond concept into practical, real-world applications.
A New Era of Human Progress
With its CES 2026 debut, Hyundai Motor Group made clear that AI Robotics is not about replacing people—it’s about amplifying human capability. By uniting robotics, AI, manufacturing, and mobility under a single vision, the Group is laying the foundation for a future where humans and intelligent machines collaborate seamlessly for the benefit of society.
