Hyundai Motor Group has joined forces with Google DeepMind to implement its "AI Robotics" strategy. Previously, Chairman Chung Euisun of Hyundai Motor Group emphasized the internalization of AI capabilities in his New Year's address, stating that "AI is a game we can win." The group has now taken concrete steps to realize this vision. Hyundai Motor Group plans to integrate the generative AI model "Gemini" into the brain of Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot "Atlas," enabling it to interact naturally with humans and respond and reason rapidly. Atlas, which can collaborate with people on manufacturing sites, was unveiled to the public for the first time on this day.

On January 5 (local time), at the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA, Hyundai Motor Group announced that its robotics affiliate Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind would form a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of future humanoid technologies.

Strategic Partnership with Google DeepMind

'Gemini' Implanted in 'Atlas' Brain

Enhancing Interaction, Cognition, and Reasoning with Humans

On the 5th (local time), a day before the opening of the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition 'CES 2026,' Hyundai Motor Group's press conference was held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The next-generation electric Atlas prototype (left) and the Atlas development model were unveiled on stage. Photo by Yonhap News

The two companies have agreed to combine Atlas, which possesses physical capabilities, with Gemini, which provides intelligence. Google DeepMind is advancing "Gemini Robotics," which introduces robotic behavior as a new modality based on Gemini. This allows robots to perceive, reason, use tools, and interact naturally with humans. For example, if a robot is deployed for recycling tasks, the "brain" robot will inform it of the local waste separation standards, while the "body" robot will use precise finger movements to pick up trash and place it in the appropriate bin.

The two companies plan to jointly research humanoid robots at the "Robot Meta-Plant Application Center (RMAC)," which will be established in the United States within the year. RMAC will explore ways to utilize robots before deploying them to industrial sites and develop optimal behaviors for those scenarios. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, stated, "We will collect data by observing robots being used in vehicle manufacturing and utilize Gemini in this process."

Carolina Parada, Head of Robotics at Google DeepMind, said, "An intelligent brain robot is most powerful when combined with an exceptional body robot. This is why we decided to collaborate," adding, "When our two teams unite, the possibilities are limitless."

Hyundai Motor Group has continued to collaborate with leading AI companies, including establishing a strategic partnership with NVIDIA in January of last year. The group plans to accelerate innovation by actively utilizing NVIDIA's AI infrastructure, simulation libraries, and frameworks. Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, commented, "For robotics-related AI foundation models, we will work with Google, and for digital twin solutions in factories, we will collaborate with NVIDIA. I believe global collaboration is the most important factor. We aim to remain open and expand our partnerships by finding mutual benefits."

On the 5th, one day before the opening of the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the next-generation electric Atlas for the first time on stage at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA. Hyundai Motor Group

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On the 5th (local time), one day before the opening of CES 2026, the world's largest home appliance and information technology (IT) exhibition, Jack Jakkowski, Head of Atlas Development at Boston Dynamics, and Aya Durbin, Head of Humanoid Application Strategy at Boston Dynamics, introduced the next-generation electric Atlas development model at the Hyundai Motor Group press conference held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Photo by Yonhap News

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On the 5th (local time), one day before the opening of CES 2026, the world's largest home appliance and information technology (IT) exhibition, Jack Jakkowski, Head of Atlas Development at Boston Dynamics, and Aya Durbin, Head of Humanoid Application Strategy at Boston Dynamics, introduced the next-generation electric Atlas development model at the Hyundai Motor Group press conference held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Photo by Yonhap News

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On the 5th (local time), one day before the opening of the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition, CES 2026, the robot dog Spot danced to K-Pop at the Hyundai Motor Group press conference held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Photo by Yonhap News

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