Hyundai Set to Acquire SoftBank’s Boston Dynamics Stake for $325 Million
The deal, reportedly under review, would see Hyundai buy out SoftBank’s remaining 9.9 per cent holding, completing its acquisition of the Boston Dynamics unit it initially purchased in 2020.
Hyundai Motor Group is preparing to acquire SoftBank’s remaining 9.9 per cent stake in Boston Dynamics for approximately $325 million, a move that would grant the Korean automaker full ownership of the robotics firm. According to Bloomberg, Hyundai is currently reviewing its contractual rights and obligations ahead of the potential deal closure, following its initial purchase of an 80 per cent stake in 2020.
The acquisition aligns with Hyundai’s broader strategy to establish an end-to-end AI robotics supply chain. In a statement to Bloomberg, the company outlined its intention to accelerate the development, validation, and commercialisation of physical AI technologies through an integrated approach. This shift comes as the wider market increasingly focuses on the development of physical AI products, a trend that analysts suggest could provide significant strategic advantages to Hyundai.
Central to this strategy is the Atlas humanoid robot, which Boston Dynamics recently showcased at its production-ready state during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The robot has also gained visibility through high-profile appearances, including a demonstration at the FIFA World Cup where it handed the match ball to a referee. Hyundai is collaborating with technology partners NVIDIA and Google DeepMind on the continued development of the Atlas platform.
Production plans for the Atlas robot are scheduled to commence at Hyundai’s facility in Georgia in 2028. The automaker has set a target annual output of up to 30,000 units. Initial deployments are expected to focus on logistics and welding tasks, with Boston Dynamics projecting that the robots will expand into more complex manufacturing and component assembly processes by 2030.
While the deal represents a significant step in consolidating Hyundai’s robotics capabilities, the transaction remains subject to final approval and the completion of contractual reviews. If the acquisition proceeds, it will mark the final stage of Hyundai’s multi-year investment in Boston Dynamics, allowing the group to fully control the commercialisation of its flagship humanoid robot.
