South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group has made a move to acquire SoftBank Group’s 10% stake in Massachusetts-based humanoid and robotics developer Boston Dynamics, as it seeks full ownership of the business.

The transaction has been estimated by financial media as being worth around USD325 million and is subject to Hyundai’s internal governance and approval processes.

Hyundai currently owns a 90% shareholding in Boston Dynamics.

“As part of its long-term robotics strategy, Hyundai Motor Group had been evaluating opportunities to increase its ownership in Boston Dynamics with the aim of further strengthening its robotics capabilities and collaboration with Boston Dynamics,” the group states.

“The contemplated transaction is expected to further support collaboration across Hyundai Motor Group's robotics-related businesses and enhance the Group's ability to execute its long-term robotics strategy. 

“Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics will continue working together to strengthen competitiveness in robotics and advance the development of AI-powered robotics technologies and related ecosystems.”

Hyundai Motor Group is currently building an end-to-end (E2E) AI robotics value chain which it says, combines Boston Dynamics’ expertise in AI Robotics with its manufacturing capabilities, mobility technologies and global value chain. 

“Through this integrated approach, the group aims to accelerate the development, validation and commercialisation of Physical AI technologies and robotics solutions,” Hyundai continues.

The motor group says recent demonstrations of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot have highlighted progress in mobility, whole-body coordination and object manipulation, including the delivery of the ceremonial match ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 match and the lifting and transport of a 23kg compact refrigerator.

Hyundai Motor Group says it plans to deploy Atlas at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) from 2028, initially supporting parts sequencing tasks as part of its human-centric smart factory innovation initiatives. 

“Subject to continued technology validation, operational readiness and business requirements, Atlas is expected to support an expanded range of manufacturing processes, with its application extending to component assembly by 2030,” Hyundai adds.