Hyundai Motor Group Secures Full Ownership of Boston Dynamics

Hyundai Motor Group is completing the acquisition of the remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, making the U.S. robotics firm a wholly‑owned subsidiary. The transaction, valued at roughly $325‑$335 million (about 500 billion won), follows SoftBank’s exercise of a put option set out in a 2020 agreement after Boston Dynamics failed to list on a U.S. exchange.

The deal gives Hyundai 100% control of Boston Dynamics, whose flagship humanoid robot Atlas is slated for commercial deployment. Hyundai plans to introduce Atlas at its Georgia electric‑vehicle plant in 2028, initially handling parts‑sequencing and logistics, and to expand its role to component assembly by 2030. The group aims to build an annual production capacity of up to 30,000 Atlas units, with about 25,000 destined for Hyundai and Kia factories before any external sales.

Full ownership is expected to accelerate Hyundai’s “Physical AI” strategy, allowing tighter integration of Boston Dynamics’ robotics expertise with Hyundai’s manufacturing, supply‑chain and AI partners such as Nvidia and Google DeepMind. Market reaction saw Hyundai shares dip 3.6% in Seoul trading, while SoftBank’s stock moved marginally.

Prior to the final purchase, Hyundai‑related affiliates held 28% of Boston Dynamics, with Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Glovis and executive chair Chung Euisun holding the remainder. The acquisition also clears the path for a potential future IPO of the robotics unit.