"One Atlas Replaces Three Workers... Absolutely No Introduction Without Agreement," Says Hyundai Motor Union

The Hyundai Motor labor union has argued that the introduction of Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot 'Atlas' could cause a shock to employment in production sites, declaring, "Not a single unit can be brought in without labor-management agreement."

Yonhap News Agency

Analysts say that labor-management conflict is becoming a reality as Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy Atlas in major production processes, starting with the dedicated electric vehicle plant, Metaplant America (HMGMA), in the United States in 2028.

On the 22nd, the Hyundai Motor Branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union issued a statement, saying, "No matter the circumstances, the introduction of Atlas to the field is unwelcome from the workers' perspective," reiterating their position.

The union further emphasized, "Hiring three workers with an annual salary of 100 million won each costs 300 million won in labor expenses, but with robots, only maintenance costs are incurred after the initial purchase, providing capitalists with a reason to maximize profits. Without labor-management agreement, not a single robot can be brought into the workplace." Regarding Hyundai Motor's recent rise to third place in domestic market capitalization as it is being re-evaluated as a 'physical AI' company thanks to Atlas, the union commented, "We don't know whether to laugh or cry."

Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled Atlas at 'CES 2026' in Las Vegas, United States, announcing plans to deploy Atlas in the parts sorting process at HMGMA in Georgia in 2028. The financial industry estimates that the price of Atlas will be around 130,000 dollars (approximately 200 million won).

Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, addressed concerns about job losses due to robot adoption at a 'CES 2026' press conference on January 5 (local time), stating, "We plan to deploy productive robots for dangerous and repetitive undesirable tasks," and added, "The introduction of robots will create new jobs related to these processes."