The groundbreaking Atlas robot factory tests have officially begun, marking a pivotal moment for industrial automation. Boston Dynamics, a leader in robotics, has moved its legendary humanoid robot, Atlas, from the laboratory to a real-world production environment. In new footage, the all-electric Atlas is seen successfully performing real-world tasks at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Georgia, signaling a major milestone for integrating AI-powered robots into modern industry.

What Can the Atlas Robot Do in Factory Tests?

Presented under the theme “The Humanoids Are Coming,” the new Atlas is learning factory operations through advanced artificial intelligence. Thanks to its joints that can rotate 360 degrees and sophisticated machine learning algorithms, the robot can autonomously handle demanding physical jobs. These tasks include lifting and sorting automobile parts and even assisting with the assembly of vehicle doors. Furthermore, its integrated vision sensors allow it to adapt to environmental changes instantly, completing complex processes without human intervention.

Boston Dynamics, which Hyundai acquired from SoftBank in 2021, aims to turn Atlas into a commercial product. As part of its “Software-Defined Factory” strategy, Hyundai plans to deploy tens of thousands of robots across its production facilities. The objective is for robots to handle approximately 40 percent of the assembly operations at the Georgia plant. This technology is intended not to replace human workers but to improve workplace safety by taking over tasks that are dangerous or ergonomically challenging.

The Future of Robotics and Market Competition

The next-generation Atlas is set for its first public debut at the CES 2026 trade show in Las Vegas on January 5th. Executives at Boston Dynamics have stated that Atlas will be fully available for commercial use within the next few years. This development is expected to intensify the competition in the robotics market, pitting Atlas against other prominent models like Tesla’s Optimus and Figure AI’s Figure 02.

So, what are your thoughts on humanoid robots starting to work in factories? Share your opinions with us in the comments!