20 Years of Experience in AI-Based Robotics
Formulating Mid- to Long-Term Strategies for Robot Product Lineup
Hyundai Motor Group is accelerating its efforts to secure top talent in future technologies, following the recruitment of a global autonomous driving expert from Nvidia by appointing a renowned authority in AI and robotics who previously served as a Vice President at Tesla.
On January 16, Hyundai Motor Group announced that it has appointed Milan Kovac, a world-class expert in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and autonomous driving, as an advisor to the group and plans to name him as an outside director of Boston Dynamics.
Milan Kovac, Advisor to Hyundai Motor Group and Outside Director of Boston Dynamics. Hyundai Motor Company
Milan Kovac is a global technology leader who has worked for about 20 years in software, hardware, and AI-based robotics systems, building high-performing engineering organizations with rapid development cycles.
At Tesla, he led multiple projects including 'Optimus,' spearheading the development of humanoid robots and camera-based vision-centric autonomous driving systems, and is recognized for his significant impact across the related industries.
At Hyundai Motor Group, Milan Kovac will provide strategic advice on AI and engineering, exploring the potential applications of advanced AI and robotics technologies by leveraging the group's industrial base across various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and services.
He stated, "Boston Dynamics is a key player in the robotics ecosystem and an iconic company that has inspired countless engineers. With Hyundai Motor Group's robust industrial foundation, we have a unique competitive edge to lead the robotics field, and I look forward to this journey of innovation."
With this recruitment, Hyundai Motor Group aims to accelerate AI-based robotics innovation at Boston Dynamics and expedite the mid- to long-term strategies and commercialization of its groundbreaking robot product lineup, including Spot, Stretch, and Atlas.
A Hyundai Motor Group representative said, "Milan Kovac is a globally recognized innovator and leader in the field of AI and robotics. With his addition, Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics will further accelerate innovation and strengthen global competitiveness through the convergence of AI and robotics."
Meanwhile, on January 13, Hyundai Motor Group recruited Dr. Park Minwoo, a former Vice President at Nvidia and an expert in autonomous driving technology, as the new head of the AVP (Advanced Platform) Division and CEO of 42dot.
◆ Profile of Milan Kovac, Advisor to Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics
HELB-INRACI, Belgium, Electrical Engineering
2024-2025: Vice President, Optimus, Tesla
2022-2024: Director, Optimus & Autopilot Engineering, Tesla
2019-2022: Director, Autopilot Engineering, Tesla
2016-2019: Manager, Autopilot Software, Tesla
Prior to 2016: Worked at Sony and SoftKinetic, among others
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