Boston Dynamics, Hyundai, and Google DeepMind partner to trial Gemini-powered robots

Strategic partnership integrates Gemini foundation model into the Atlas humanoid created by Boston Dynamics.

Editorial credit: Pavel Mikheyev / Shutterstock

In a major move announced at CES 2026, Hyundai Motor Group has solidified a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind to rapidly accelerate the commercial deployment of intelligent robots. The collaboration will see Google's advanced Gemini Robotics AI foundation models integrated into the latest generation of Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, with initial trials set to take place on Hyundai's automotive factory floors.

This partnership is a convergence of hardware and software expertise, aiming to bridge the gap between impressive lab demos and real-world industrial application, starting with the complex, high-precision demands of modern manufacturing.

Gemini Powers Atlas: From acrobatics to assembly

While Boston Dynamics' robots have long been recognized for their advanced mobility and acrobatic capability, the integration of Gemini provides the crucial layer of contextual intelligence and decision-making previously missing.

Gemini Robotics models are designed to enable Atlas to better perceive complex environments, reason, and make real-time decisions in unstructured settings. This allows the robots to move beyond pre-programmed routines.

The immediate focus of the trial is on high-impact industrial tasks within Hyundai's production facilities, such as material handling, component sorting, and flexible workflow management. Hyundai plans to use its large-scale manufacturing environment as a "safe training ground" to validate and refine the AI.

The scale goal

Hyundai is already building a comprehensive AI Robotics Value Chain across its affiliates, with plans to establish a production system capable of manufacturing 30,000 robot units annually by 2028. The Gemini-powered Atlas is central to this vision, with deployment in Hyundai's U.S. manufacturing facilities expected by 2028 for tasks like parts sequencing.

A return to familiar ground

The partnership marks a significant professional reunion. Google originally acquired Boston Dynamics in 2013 before selling it to SoftBank, from whom Hyundai purchased a controlling stake in 2021.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis highlighted the synergy, stating that the goal is to create robots capable of more adaptive, intelligent behavior. The collaboration leverages Hyundai’s massive manufacturing scale and logistics infrastructure with DeepMind's leadership in multimodal, general-purpose AI.

The success of the Hyundai factory trials will serve as a critical test case for the widespread adoption of general-purpose humanoid robots across logistics, energy, construction, and facility management industries globally.