Hyundai Motor Group to Acquire Full Ownership of Boston Dynamics

Hyundai Motor Group confirmed on July 16 that it will move to make Boston Dynamics a wholly owned subsidiary after SoftBank exercised a put option covering its 9.65% ownership stake in the robotics company earlier in July. Following the exercise of the option, Hyundai Group affiliates are reviewing the acquisition structure, transaction value, and the ownership allocation among participating shareholders. The move represents another major step in Hyundai's long-term investment strategy for advanced robotics and intelligent automation.

According to local media reports released in June, the transaction is expected to be valued at approximately KRW 500 billion, or around USD 335 million. Hyundai has not officially confirmed the final purchase amount, stating that internal reviews remain underway. The acquisition process includes evaluating the financial arrangements and determining how each Hyundai affiliate will participate in acquiring SoftBank's remaining shares before the transaction is completed.

Current Boston Dynamics Shareholding Before Acquisition

The ownership structure of Boston Dynamics before the transaction reflects investments from multiple Hyundai Group entities alongside SoftBank. The remaining stake held by SoftBank originates from the agreement reached when it sold Boston Dynamics to Hyundai Motor Group in 2021 while retaining a put option over part of its investment.

Boston Dynamics Shareholding Structure

The following table summarizes the shareholder distribution before Hyundai completes the acquisition.

Hyundai Expands Long-Term Robotics Strategy

Hyundai stated that complete ownership of Boston Dynamics will simplify governance, improve decision-making speed, and reinforce its long-term robotics roadmap. By bringing the robotics company fully under its control, Hyundai expects to streamline future investments, product development, and commercialization activities while strengthening collaboration across its automotive and advanced technology businesses.

Atlas Humanoid Robots Planned for EV Manufacturing

Hyundai intends to introduce Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robots at its Metaplant America electric vehicle manufacturing facility in United States, specifically in Georgia, beginning in 2028. The initial deployment will focus on parts sequencing and heavy-lifting operations before expanding into vehicle assembly work by 2030. The company has outlined plans to manufacture as many as 30,000 Atlas humanoid robots annually, with the majority expected to support Hyundai's internal manufacturing operations.

Future Ownership Structure May Support Strategic Flexibility

Industry analysts believe the simplified ownership structure could make Boston Dynamics better positioned for a potential future initial public offering. However, Hyundai emphasized that no decision has been made regarding a public listing. The company's immediate objective remains accelerating robotics innovation and integrating advanced humanoid robotics into its manufacturing ecosystem through closer operational alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hyundai Motor Group acquiring full ownership of Boston Dynamics?
Hyundai Motor Group is acquiring SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake to make Boston Dynamics a wholly owned subsidiary. Full ownership is expected to streamline corporate governance, enable faster strategic decisions, strengthen long-term robotics investments, and improve integration between Boston Dynamics and Hyundai's manufacturing operations. The acquisition also supports the company's broader robotics ambitions, including large-scale deployment of Atlas humanoid robots in its future electric vehicle production facilities while providing greater strategic flexibility for future business opportunities.

How will Hyundai use Atlas humanoid robots in its factories?
Hyundai plans to begin deploying Atlas humanoid robots at its Metaplant America electric vehicle factory in Georgia from 2028. Initially, the robots will perform parts sequencing and heavy-lifting tasks before gradually expanding into vehicle assembly operations by 2030. Hyundai ultimately aims to produce up to 30,000 Atlas robots annually, with most units intended for internal manufacturing applications to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and advanced factory automation.