Hyundai completes Boston Dynamics acquisition from SoftBank
Original: Hyundai buys Boston Dynamics
Why This Matters
Hyundai secures full control of advanced humanoid robotics as real-world factory deployment nears, positioning the company competitively against Tesla and Figure AI in commercializing humanoid automation.
Hyundai Motor Group acquired SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for $325 million, achieving full ownership of the robotics company. The move consolidates control as Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot prepares for commercial deployment at Hyundai's Georgia EV plant by 2028.
Hyundai Motor Group is acquiring SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for $325 million, with approval expected June 22, 2026. This transaction completes Hyundai's full ownership of the robotics company and closes out SoftBank's final stake. Hyundai originally purchased an 80% controlling stake in 2021 for approximately $880 million, valuing the company at roughly $1.1 billion. SoftBank, which acquired Boston Dynamics from Alphabet in 2017, is exiting to redeploy capital toward its $41 billion OpenAI investment and AI infrastructure initiatives. Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot made a public demonstration at CES in January 2026, where the electric robot was shown walking and responding to remote piloting. A production version is scheduled to begin operations at Hyundai's electric vehicle manufacturing plant near Savannah, Georgia, by 2028. Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter stated that Atlas would need to learn new factory tasks within one or two days and achieve 99.9% reliability before full deployment. Hyundai's strategy involves starting Atlas with parts sequencing at its Metaplant in Georgia, then progressing toward heavier and more complex manufacturing operations by 2030. This acquisition positions Hyundai as a vertical player controlling both the robotics technology and the manufacturing facilities where deployment occurs.