Business & Finance
Hyundai CEO says company may sell Boston Dynamics robots at car dealerships
The automaker is nearing mass production of its Atlas humanoid robot and exploring dealership sales and auto-style financing.
The short version
- Hyundai CEO José Muñoz announced at an investor day that the automaker may distribute Boston Dynamics robots through its existing car dealership network.
- The company's financing arm, Hyundai Capital, is evaluating options to finance robot purchases similar to auto loans.
- Mass production of Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, is approaching, though Hyundai has not specified if sales will target commercial clients, individual consumers, or both.
Key facts
- Hyundai CEO José Muñoz stated during investor day presentations that the company's dealer network could distribute and sell Boston Dynamics robots.[Business Insider]
- Hyundai Capital is evaluating whether to offer financing models for robot purchases similar to auto loans.[Business Insider]
- Hyundai Motor Group acquired an 80% controlling stake in Boston Dynamics in 2021 through a deal that valued the robotics firm at $1.1 billion.[Business Insider]
- Boston Dynamics is approaching mass production of its humanoid robot, Atlas, while currently selling the four-legged Spot robot and the wheeled Stretch robot.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- Hyundai representatives have not clarified whether the planned dealership robot sales are intended for commercial customers, individual consumers, or both.[Business Insider]
Sources
- Hyundai CEO says your local car dealership could sell you a humanoid robotBusiness Insider metered