Hyundai Motor Group shareholders are pursuing the acquisition of SoftBank Group’s entire remaining stake in Boston Dynamics as the automaker seeks to deepen its ownership of the robotics company and accelerate its long-term artificial intelligence and robotics strategy.
The contemplated transaction is being pursued under existing agreements between the parties. SoftBank initiated the process by exercising a contractual put option, which gives it the right, subject to specified terms and conditions, to require other parties to purchase its shares.
Hyundai Motor Group said the relevant shareholders are reviewing the obligations and rights triggered by the option exercise through their respective internal governance and approval procedures. The final allocation of the Boston Dynamics shares will be determined according to the existing agreements and the decisions made by the participating shareholders.
The transaction has not yet been completed and remains subject to applicable approvals, settlement procedures and final decisions by the parties involved.
Hyundai Motor Group had already been evaluating ways to increase its ownership of Boston Dynamics before SoftBank exercised the put option. The group views deeper ownership as an opportunity to strengthen its robotics capabilities, improve collaboration across its businesses and support the commercial development of AI-powered robotic systems.
The acquisition would expand Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to Boston Dynamics, which develops advanced mobile robots and humanoid robotics technologies. Hyundai acquired a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021, while SoftBank retained a minority position in the company.
Boston Dynamics is known for robotic platforms including the four-legged Spot robot, the Stretch warehouse automation system and the Atlas humanoid robot. Hyundai plans to combine those technologies with its manufacturing expertise, mobility platforms and international industrial network.
The automaker is developing what it calls an End-to-End AI Robotics Value Chain. This strategy is intended to connect Boston Dynamics’ expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence with Hyundai Motor Group’s manufacturing capabilities, mobility technologies, component operations and global value chain.
Through this integrated structure, Hyundai aims to accelerate the development, testing and commercialization of Physical AI. Physical AI refers to intelligent systems capable of sensing, understanding and interacting with the physical world through robots, vehicles and other machines.
Hyundai believes its global manufacturing operations can provide a real-world environment for validating robotic technologies before they are deployed more broadly. The group’s factories could also serve as early customers for Boston Dynamics’ systems, giving the robotics company opportunities to test applications at industrial scale.
Recent demonstrations of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot have shown progress in mobility, whole-body coordination and object manipulation. Atlas participated in the delivery of a ceremonial match ball during a 2026 FIFA World Cup match and demonstrated its ability to lift and transport a compact refrigerator weighing approximately 23 kilograms.
Hyundai said these demonstrations will support the continued validation of Atlas for potential industrial applications. The company is particularly interested in tasks that are repetitive, physically demanding or difficult to perform safely in manufacturing environments.
Hyundai Motor Group currently plans to begin deploying Atlas at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in 2028. The robot is initially expected to support parts-sequencing activities at the manufacturing facility.
Parts sequencing involves organizing and delivering components in the order required by an assembly line. Automating portions of this process could help improve efficiency while reducing the need for employees to perform repetitive lifting and material-handling tasks.
Subject to continued technical validation, operational readiness and business requirements, Hyundai expects Atlas to take on a wider range of manufacturing processes over time. The group is targeting potential use in component assembly beginning in 2030.
The planned deployment is part of Hyundai’s broader human-centric smart factory strategy. Rather than positioning robots solely as replacements for workers, the company says it is developing systems designed to assist people, improve workplace safety and increase operational productivity.
Hyundai Motor Group describes its robotics vision as “Partnering Human Progress.” Under this strategy, the company intends to develop AI-powered robots that can work alongside people across manufacturing, logistics, mobility and other environments.
Greater ownership of Boston Dynamics could allow Hyundai to coordinate research, product development and deployment decisions more closely across the companies. It could also help Hyundai move robotics technologies more quickly from laboratory demonstrations into commercial operations.
Boston Dynamics could benefit from increased access to Hyundai’s engineering resources, manufacturing expertise, supply-chain relationships and worldwide facilities. Hyundai, in turn, could use Boston Dynamics’ technology to improve automation across its automotive and component businesses while developing new commercial robotics products.
The potential acquisition comes as automakers and technology companies increase investments in humanoid robots and embodied AI. Companies are exploring how general-purpose robots could perform tasks in factories, warehouses, logistics centers and other environments built primarily for humans.
Humanoid systems may be particularly useful because they can potentially operate within existing facilities without requiring businesses to redesign equipment, workspaces and processes around specialized machines. However, the technology remains under development and must demonstrate reliability, safety and economic viability before widespread deployment.
Hyundai Motor Group said it and Boston Dynamics will continue working together regardless of the transaction process to improve their competitiveness in robotics and advance the development of AI-powered robotic technologies and related ecosystems.
The group includes Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis, along with businesses spanning automotive components, steel, construction, logistics, finance, information technology and services. Hyundai Motor Group employs approximately 250,000 people worldwide.
