Hyundai Motor Group recently announced its decision to acquire SoftBank Group’s remaining shares in Boston Dynamics. This strategic move is anticipated to expedite decision-making processes and the implementation of the group’s physical artificial intelligence strategy. The acquisition process, including the purchase price and the distribution of shares among existing shareholders, is currently under review by Hyundai.
Initially, SoftBank maintained a 20% stake in Boston Dynamics when Hyundai secured a controlling interest in the U.S.-based robotics company back in 2021. However, SoftBank’s ownership has diminished to less than 10% following subsequent rounds of capital increases, as per sources familiar with the situation. The acquisition plan stemmed from SoftBank’s recent exercise of a put option, which empowers the company to oblige existing shareholders to acquire its common shares, a provision set forth in an agreement inked in 2020.
The acquisition is expected to enhance strategic decision-making and operational efficiency within Boston Dynamics as Hyundai extends its footprint in the realm of physical AI and robotics. Hyundai’s blueprint involves deploying Boston Dynamics’ robotic creation, Atlas humanoid robot, at its manufacturing hub, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia. The Atlas is hailed as an industrial humanoid specifically crafted for manufacturing tasks. It is slated to be integrated into production processes by 2028 for sequencing operations, streamlining the sorting and arrangement of parts on assembly lines. This deployment will provide Hyundai with valuable insights into the robot’s performance and reliability within a live manufacturing environment.
Looking ahead, Hyundai plans to further leverage the Atlas robot for parts assembly duties starting in 2030. The company views this acquisition as a pivotal step in expanding its investment and collaboration with Boston Dynamics as part of its long-standing robotics strategy. Both Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics remain committed to bolstering the competitiveness of their robotics ventures and exploring avenues for synergistic growth.
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