Boston Dynamics is a pioneer in the field of humanoid robots. Atlas first appeared in 2013, before evolving into the advanced bipedal bot it is today.
Since then, thanks to advances in robotics hardware and AI, numerous tech companies large and small have joined the fray and are racing to be the first to build something that can be used at scale for tasks in industrial environments or even at home.
Boston Dynamics is still in the running, and at CES 2026 on Monday, the Massachusetts-based company unveiled some major plans for the humanoid robot Atlas.
The first is Korean automaker Hyundai, the main backer of Boston Dynamics. The goal is to integrate Atlas into Hyundai’s global production network, starting with pilot testing at the automaker’s state-of-the-art metafactory in Georgia.
“Atlas will be adopted for processes with proven safety and quality benefits, such as part sequencing,” the company said in a press release. “By 2030, applications will extend to component assembly, and over time, Atlas will also handle tasks involving repetitive motion, heavy loads and other complex operations – creating safer work environments for factory workers.”
Boston Dynamics is also working with Google’s DeepMind AI research lab to integrate more AI intelligence into the latest version of Atlas.
The technology will enable the humanoid robot to have advanced perception, reasoning and human interaction, with Atlas units already on their way to DeepMind for testing and scaling.
“This collaboration will combine Boston Dynamic’s leadership in robotics with Google DeepMind’s cutting-edge robotic AI foundations, driving the development of groundbreaking technologies,” the company said.
A two-minute video (above) shared by Boston Dynamics on Monday shows clips showing how far its robots have come over the years. It is also claimed that Atlas is on its way to becoming a “superhuman robot” that is “built for performance and for work.” It adds that it envisions a world in which “robots walk with us as helpers and companions to make life easier, safer and more fulfilling.” Those are lofty words indeed, but given Boston Dynamics’ solid experience and its key advantage in enabling rapid integration through Hyundai’s ownership, few would bet against the company turning its vision into a reality.
