Jang Jaehoon: "Humanoid Robots Must Be Verified First... From Factory Use to Home Robots" [CES 2026]

"Move to B2C Only After B2B Validation"
Emphasizing the Need to Build a Domestic Robotics Ecosystem
Visits to Qualcomm, Waymo, Doosan, and Others

At CES 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition, humanoid robots drew significant attention, ranging from robots deployed in factories to home robots for domestic use. However, Hyundai Motor Group has decided to focus on industrial robots for the time being.

Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, met with reporters at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the United States on the second day of CES 2026, January 7 (local time), and stated, "I believe it is right to move into the B2C (business-to-consumer) market only after we have fully validated our products through B2B (business-to-business) applications."

Vice Chairman Jang explained, "Humanoid robots are still at a stage where their safety and other aspects need to be thoroughly verified," adding, "Rather than going directly to consumers, we plan to use them first in our factory environments, and some of these applications may eventually expand to the broader industry."

Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, is giving an interview to reporters on the 7th (local time) at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the United States. Hyundai Motor Group.

At CES 2026, home robots designed to assist with household chores attracted as much attention as industrial robots. LG Electronics ambitiously unveiled 'CLOiD' at this exhibition, demonstrating its capabilities in preparing meals and organizing laundry.

German company Neura Robotics showcased its third-generation humanoid robot, 4NE1, demonstrating the process of moving clothes piled in a laundry basket. The robot is equipped with functions that allow it to autonomously recognize, judge, and learn from its surrounding environment.

Vice Chairman Jang also emphasized the need for the domestic robotics ecosystem to accelerate its development. He noted, "China is placing a strong emphasis on robotics, so we need to pay close attention to the timing," and added, "The government’s artificial intelligence (AI) policies should be aligned with robotics, but the speed of building a domestic robotics ecosystem is crucial."

On this day, Vice Chairman Jang visited the booths of Qualcomm, Waymo, Caterpillar, Hyundai Motor Group, Doosan, and Hyundai WIA in succession, starting from 2 to 3 p.m.