Accelerating Next-Generation Robotics Business
Synergy with Boston Dynamics
Reinforcement Learning-Based Robotics Research
Chung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, is considering concurrently serving as a director at a U.S. research institute specializing in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
This move is interpreted as an effort to directly oversee core research aimed at enhancing the performance of robots, as the group has been fostering robotics as a next-generation business since acquiring Boston Dynamics.
According to semiannual reports from Hyundai Motor Company and others on August 19, Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Mobis each held an extraordinary board meeting in May and approved Chairman Chung's engagement in a competing business as a director of the 'Robotics and AI Institute (RAI).' Typically, companies prevent executives from managing or participating in businesses that are in direct competition, but this agenda item allows such engagement.
Since acquiring Boston Dynamics in 2020, Hyundai Motor Group has been nurturing the robotics industry for several years. At the time of the acquisition, Chairman Chung invested 280 billion won of his own funds to secure a 20% stake, but he has not held any official position until now. For this reason, there is a perception that it would be highly unusual for Chairman Chung to assume a position at a research institute that is not a core affiliate.
A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "The specific position has not yet been determined," and explained, "This is a preliminary step to establish a board of directors at RAI."
RAI, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was established in 2022 under the leadership of Dr. Marc Raibert, founder of Hyundai Motor Group's robotics subsidiary Boston Dynamics. The initial investment amounted to $400 million. Currently, Hyundai Motor holds a 47.5% stake, while Kia and Hyundai Mobis own 28.5% and 19%, respectively.
The institute aims to develop advanced robots and world-class intelligent machines. Dr. Raibert currently serves as Executive Director, leading research to enhance robot performance. In particular, the institute combines the strengths of university laboratories and corporate development centers to collaborate with leading global robotics researchers.
The bipedal robot Atlas, created by Boston Dynamics, the robotics subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, is placing items into a cargo compartment. Hyundai Motor Company
Chairman Chung’s decision to take a position at the institute is seen as an effort to closely monitor the progress of robotics research, with expectations for synergy with Boston Dynamics, the robot manufacturer. A Hyundai Motor Group official confirmed that Chairman Chung has been appointed as a director but declined to comment on his specific role.
In February, RAI entered into a partnership with Boston Dynamics to develop humanoid robots based on reinforcement learning and is currently conducting research. At the time, Executive Director Raibert stated, "RAI's goal is to develop technologies that realize the next generation of intelligent machines," adding, "Research with Boston Dynamics will not only expand the capabilities of humanoid robots but also play a key role in enhancing their abilities by streamlining the process of acquiring new skills."
In March, they announced results showing more human-like movements learned through reinforcement learning using motion capture and animation as sources. The released video drew significant attention as it featured Atlas not only walking like a human, but also standing up using its arms, performing handstands, and demonstrating various full-body movements such as breakdancing.
The two companies are also jointly developing a reinforcement learning research kit for the quadrupedal robot 'Spot.' Through this kit, they successfully trained Spot to run at a speed of 5.2 meters per second.
Boston Dynamics plans to deploy the humanoid robot 'Atlas' at 'Metaplant America (HMGMA)' in Georgia, USA, this October. This is expected to be the first instance of deploying robots in an actual production site.
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