Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Discusses Robotics Development and Middle East Operations

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung said Thursday the company is developing robotics technology with a focus on balancing software and hardware, and creating symbiotic relations between robots and employees. Chung made the remarks when asked about the development process for Atlas, the humanoid robot created by Boston Dynamics, the company's U.S. robotics subsidiary.

The robot was unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas in January. "We are moving forward with our robotics business through trial and error," Chung said in a meeting with reporters at the company's headquarters in Seoul. Chung said the company's decision to deploy gardening, delivery and security robots at its newly renovated headquarters building was aimed at giving employees an opportunity to better understand the company's future vision and provide feedback on areas that need improvement before commercialization.

Asked about the impact of the war in the Middle East on the company's business, Chung said the situation is very concerning, citing potential delays in a plant project in Saudi Arabia and decreased auto sales in the region. "We are building a plant in Saudi Arabia, and it appears the project may be delayed somewhat.

Sales in the Middle East have also declined amid the conflict," he said. " A joint venture between the company and Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund broke ground in May 2025 on a car production factory in King Abdullah Economic City along the Red Sea coast.

The company said earlier the manufacturing plant will roll out its first vehicle by the fourth quarter of 2026 and targets an annual production of 50,000 vehicles.