Hyundai Motor acquires U.S. robotics company ‘Boston Dynamics’

Hyundai Motor Group has completed the acquisition of Boston Dynamics, a U.S. robotics company.

Boston Dynamics is a company that has the world's leading robotics technologies such as self-driving (walking), robot arms, and vision (recognition/judgment) to enter the markets of logistics robots, guidance & service robots, and humanoid robots. Boston Dynamics has attracted attention from the industry by developing a four-legged walking robot "Spot" and a two-legged walking robot "Atlas."

Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 21st (Monday) that it has completed all the acquisition procedures since the signing of the main contract in December last year and has finally completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank Group.

Boston Dynamics’ value has been evaluated as about $1.1 billion, with Hyundai Motor Group holding 80% of Boston Dynamics and SoftBank Group holding the other 20%.

Through the acquisition of Boston Dynamics, Hyundai Motor Group is expected to secure a leading position in robotics and speed up its strategic transition to a smart mobility solution provider. In particular, synergy with autonomous driving vehicles, urban aviation mobility (UAM), and smart factory technology is also expected.

Hyundai Motor is planning to incorporate Boston Dynamics' capability in manufacturing, logistics and construction. From robot parts manufacturing to smart logistics solutions, it will create new value chains using robotics and support Boston Dynamics' global sales, service, and product line expansion.

Reported by 'Smart City Today'