Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Hyundai Union Warns Against Humanoid Robot Deployment
Hyundai Motor's labor union in South Korea is worried about the company's plan to use humanoid robots in factories starting in 2028.
The union says that the robots could take jobs away from workers and that Hyundai should not bring them in without agreeing with the union first.
Hyundai showed off their robot, called Atlas, which was made by their company Boston Dynamics.
They plan to make 30,000 of these robots every year and start using them in a factory in Georgia, USA.
The union also doesn't like that Hyundai is moving some production to the US, as they think it will hurt jobs in South Korea.
Hyundai hasn't said anything about the union's concerns yet.
Hyundai Motor's Korean union warns against deploying humanoid robots without approval, citing potential job losses.
Hyundai plans to deploy robots starting in 2028, with a goal of producing 30,000 units annually.
First deployment is planned for a US plant in Georgia, with potential expansion to all production sites.
Union accuses Hyundai of prioritizing profits over workforce, threatening job security in South Korea.
Hyundai has not yet commented on the union's warnings.
- Who
- Hyundai Motor's Korean labor union and Hyundai Motor Group
- What
- Union warns against deploying humanoid robots without approval
- When
- Union warning issued on Thursday; robot deployment planned for 2028
- Where
- South Korea and US plant in Georgia
- Why
- Union fears robots will cause employment shocks and reduce workforce
- Company
- Hyundai Motor
- Union Concern
- Employment shocks from robots
- Robot Deployment Plan
- Starting 2028
- Annual Production Goal
- 30,000 units by 2028
- First Deployment Location
- US plant in Georgia
- Union Stance
- No robots without agreement
- Union Accusation
- Profit-driven workforce reduction