Hyundai Motor to Take Full Ownership of Boston Dynamics in Deal with SoftBank

Hyundai Motor Group is set to make Boston Dynamics a wholly owned subsidiary after agreeing to acquire SoftBank Group's remaining stake, a move that signals a deeper integration of advanced robotics into the automaker's global operations. The South Korean conglomerate announced on Thursday it would purchase the Japanese investment firm's holding of approximately 10% in the U.S.-based robotics pioneer.

Deal Solidifies Hyundai's Control

While the official financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, local media in South Korea reported last month that the deal could be valued at approximately 500 billion won ($335 million). The acquisition completes a process that began in 2021, when Hyundai first acquired a controlling 80% stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank.

This final step consolidates the robotics firm entirely under Hyundai's corporate structure, giving the automaker full control over its strategic direction and technological development. The move underscores Hyundai's long-term commitment to robotics as a core pillar of its future business.

Strategic Integration into Manufacturing

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Hyundai stated the full ownership will help accelerate the deployment of advanced robotics throughout its manufacturing ecosystem. The company has already outlined a clear roadmap for integrating Boston Dynamics' technology, particularly its humanoid robot Atlas, into its production lines.

Key milestones for the integration include:

• Deployment of the Atlas robot at a Hyundai car manufacturing plant in Georgia is planned to begin in 2028.
• The robot will initially be tasked with parts sequencing on the assembly line.
• By 2030, Hyundai anticipates expanding Atlas's role to more complex manufacturing processes, including component assembly.

This strategy highlights Hyundai's ambition to leverage cutting-edge automation to enhance efficiency and transform its core automotive business.