[CES 2026]Hyundai Installs 'Gemini' in Humanoid Robot (Comprehensive)

Strategic Partnership with Google DeepMind
Integrating 'Gemini' into the Brain of 'Atlas'
Enhanced Interaction, Perception, and Reasoning with Humans

Hyundai Motor Group has joined forces with Google DeepMind to implement its 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Robotics' strategy. Previously, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun emphasized the internalization of AI capabilities in his New Year's address, stating, "AI is a game we have a good chance of winning." The company is now taking concrete steps to realize this vision. Hyundai Motor Group plans to integrate the generative AI model 'Gemini' into the brain of Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot 'Atlas,' enabling it to interact naturally with humans and quickly reason and respond. Atlas, which is capable of collaborating with people on manufacturing sites, was unveiled to the public for the first time on this day.

On the 5th, one day before the opening of the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the next-generation electric Atlas for the first time on stage at the Hyundai Motor Group Media Day held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA. Hyundai Motor Group

On January 5 (local time), at the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA, Hyundai Motor Group announced that its robotics affiliate Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind would form a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of future humanoid technologies.

The two companies have agreed to combine the physical capabilities of Atlas with the intelligence of Gemini. Google DeepMind is advancing 'Gemini Robotics,' which introduces robotic behavior as a new modality based on Gemini. This enables robots to perceive, reason, use tools, and interact naturally with humans. For example, if a robot is deployed for waste sorting, the 'brain' robot will inform it of the local waste separation guidelines. The 'body' robot, responsible for actions, will use precise finger movements to pick up trash and place it in the appropriate bin.

Alberto Rodriguez, Head of Atlas Behavior Policy at Boston Dynamics (left), and Carolina Parada, Head of Robotics at Google DeepMind, are presenting at Hyundai Motor Group's Media Day held on the 5th (local time) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA, one day before the opening of the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026. Hyundai Motor Group

The two companies plan to jointly research humanoid robots at the 'Robot Meta-Plant Application Center (RMAC),' which will be established in the United States within this year. RMAC will explore ways to utilize robots in industrial settings and develop optimal behaviors before deploying them on-site. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, stated, "By observing robots being used in vehicle manufacturing, we will collect data and utilize Gemini in this process."

Carolina Parada, Head of Robotics at Google DeepMind, said, "An intelligent brain robot is most powerful when combined with an excellent body robot. That's why we decided to collaborate," adding, "When the two teams unite, the possibilities will be limitless."

Hyundai Motor Group has continued to collaborate with leading AI companies, including establishing a strategic partnership with NVIDIA in January last year. The company plans to accelerate innovation by actively utilizing NVIDIA's AI infrastructure, simulation libraries, and frameworks. Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, stated, "We will work with Google on AI foundation models related to robotics, and with NVIDIA on areas such as digital twins for factories. I believe global collaboration is the most important thing. We aim to remain open to expanding partnerships by finding mutual benefits."