KATHMANDU: Hyundai Motor Group will begin deploying AI-powered humanoid robots from Boston Dynamics at its US manufacturing plants starting in 2026. The move is aimed at reducing costs and increasing local production as higher US tariffs pressure profits, according to Nikkei.
In 2025, Hyundai Motor and Kia posted record sales, but profits declined due to rising tariff-related costs. The two companies estimate combined losses of about 7 trillion won last year. North America remained Hyundai’s largest market, with US sales reaching over one million units.
To reduce tariff exposure, Hyundai plans to raise US-based production from 40 percent to 80 percent by 2030. Capital expenditure for 2026 will increase by 30 percent to 9 trillion won, largely focused on US operations.
The Boston Dynamics Atlas robots can lift heavy loads and operate continuously. Hyundai plans to deploy more than 30,000 units in the coming years. The strategy has been welcomed by investors, although labor unions have raised job security concerns.
