Boston Dynamics is a pioneer in the humanoid robot sector, with Atlas first appearing in 2013 before going on to become the advanced bipedal bot that it is today.
Since then, thanks to advances in robotics hardware and AI, a slew of tech companies big and small have entered the fray, working at speed to try to become the first to build something deployable at scale for tasks in industrial settings, or even in the home.
Boston Dynamics is still very much in the race, and at CES 2026 on Monday the Massachussetts-based company shared a couple of major plans for the Atlas humanoid robot.
The first involves Korean automaker Hyundai, Boston Dynamics’ main backer. The goal is to integrate Atlas into Hyundai’s global manufacturing network, starting with pilots at the automaker’s state-of-the-art Metaplant in Georgia.
“Atlas will be introduced on processes with proven safety and quality benefits, such as parts sequencing,” the company said in a release. “By 2030, applications will extend to component assembly, and over time, Atlas will also take on tasks involving repetitive motions, heavy loads, and other complex operations — ensuring safer working environments for factory employees.”
Boston Dynamics is also partnering with Google’s DeepMind AI research lab to bring more AI smarts to the latest version of Atlas.
The technology will provide the humanoid robot with advanced perception, reasoning, and human interaction, with Atlas units already on their way to DeepMind for testing and scaling.
“This collaboration will integrate Boston Dynamic’s leadership in robotics with Google DeepMind’s cutting-edge robot AI foundation models, driving the development of breakthrough technologies,” the company said.
A two-minute video (top) video, shared by Boston Dynamics on Monday, features clips that show just how far its robots have come over the years. It also claims that Atlas is heading toward becoming a “superhuman robot” that’s “built to perform, built to work.” It adds that it envisions a world where “robots walk with us as helpers and companions to make life easier, safer, and more fulfilling.” Lofty words indeed, but with Boston Dynamics solid experience, as well as its decisive edge enabling fast integration via its Hyundai ownership, few will bet against the company making its vision a reality.
Source: www.digitaltrends.com
