Kia to deploy Atlas robots first in toughest factory jobs
May 18 (Asia Today) -- Kia President Song Ho-sung said the company plans to deploy the humanoid robot Atlas first in difficult and physically demanding assembly processes at its factories.
Song made the remarks during overseas non-deal roadshow meetings in Singapore and Hong Kong, industry sources said Monday.
"Atlas will first be deployed at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, and a year later at Kia's Georgia plant," Song said. "Because the production systems and factory structures are the same, once Atlas can be used in one production process, it can be applied the same way at other plants."
Industry officials said Atlas could be expanded more easily across global vehicle plants if its use is proven in specific assembly lines because automakers generally use similar factory layouts worldwide.
The possible deployment of Atlas has also drawn attention to whether Boston Dynamics, the U.S. robotics company owned by Hyundai Motor Group, could pursue an initial public offering.
Song said it was too early to discuss an IPO.
"Internally, we have not yet decided on the timing of an IPO or whether to seek outside funding," he said.
On possible investment in humanoid robot production, Song said the investment ratio between Hyundai Motor and Kia would be determined based on expected benefits.
"Kia's participation in humanoid production has not yet been decided, but the investment ratio is expected to be determined based on the expected benefits each side receives," he said.
Hyundai Motor is building a mass production system for humanoid robots with an annual capacity of 30,000 units by 2028. The company plans to begin deploying humanoids at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in 2028 and at Kia's Georgia plant in 2029.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 8:28 PM.