Hyundai's Munoz: "IONIQ Autonomous Vehicles to Run Across the US... Robots Not a Means of Workforce Reduction"

Speaker at the 2026 Semafo World Economy

Discusses Global Mobility Innovation and Energy Transition

Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor Company, presented his vision for future advanced technologies such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI) robotics. He emphasized that autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles will be seen across the United States, and humanoid robots that assist with tasks difficult for humans will become commonplace. He also added that robots should not be viewed merely as a means of reducing the workforce.

Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor Company (right), is having a conversation with Justin Smith, co-founder of SEMAFO, during the Future Mobility Track session at the '2026 SEMAFO World Economy' held on the 14th (local time). Hyundai Motor Company

President Munoz participated as a speaker at the Future Mobility Track session of the '2026 SEMAFO World Economy' held on the 14th (local time), discussing various topics related to global mobility innovation and energy transition.

He cited Hyundai Motor Group's ability to promptly deliver what customers want as one of the keys to its success, stating, "We have pursued a strategy that combines internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles." He continued, "At Meta Plant America (HMGMA), which began construction last year, we also decided to produce hybrids alongside other vehicles," adding, "Although we initially focused on electrification, this is an example of how we quickly adapted our strategy in response to changing consumer demand."

He also emphasized the importance of hydrogen as a future energy source. He said, "With the remarkable advances in hydrogen technology, the efficiency and performance of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have improved while the operating costs have decreased," citing the use of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in HMGMA logistics as an example.

He continued, "Hydrogen is a perfectly eco-friendly energy source and the most abundant resource on Earth. It can be used for various purposes," and added, "We must overcome the vague fears about hydrogen and ensure that hydrogen is utilized for ground, air, and sea transportation."

Regarding autonomous driving, President Munoz stressed, "Autonomous driving is not the future, it is the present." He confidently stated, "Even now, you can ride Waymo vehicles in San Francisco or a Motional robotaxi based on the IONIQ 5 in Las Vegas. In the future, autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles will be seen nationwide across the United States."

Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor Company (right), is speaking at the Future Mobility Track session of the 2026 Semafo World Economy held on the 14th (local time). Hyundai Motor Company

He further stated, "Hyundai Motor Group will also expand its proprietary technologies on a large scale through Motional, and more autonomous driving features will be incorporated into personal vehicles in the future," highlighting the group's ongoing efforts in the autonomous driving sector.

Regarding future urban mobility infrastructure, President Munoz predicted, "In the future, buildings and vehicles will communicate with each other, and vehicles will also interact with one another, ultimately reducing traffic congestion." He also suggested that electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) or drones powered by hydrogen fuel cells will become widespread.

In particular, President Munoz emphasized, "Hyundai Motor Group places top priority on safety and quality under its mission of 'Progress for Humanity'," and stated, "By introducing Boston Dynamics' 'Atlas' into the production line, we will be able to see humanoid robots that assist with tasks difficult for humans."

He further added, "We do not view robots simply as a tool for workforce reduction; rather, robots are intended to make workers' lives easier. The goal we aim to achieve through 'physical AI' is to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.