Hyundai Motor Group is making a bold move into the future of transportation, investing $1.5 billion in robotics, autonomous driving, and advanced air mobility. This significant financial commitment comes despite the company’s reported losses in these areas over the past five years, as detailed in company filings reported by Asia Today and translated by UPI.

Robotics and AI in Manufacturing

Central to Hyundai’s strategy is HMG Global, the company’s robotics and artificial intelligence holding firm. This affiliate holds a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, known for its humanoid robot, Atlas. Hyundai plans to introduce Atlas robots to its U.S. factory in Georgia by 2028, initially for high-risk or repetitive tasks. The goal is to produce 30,000 humanoid robots annually, expanding their roles in manufacturing by 2030, according to Reuters.

Advancements in Autonomous Driving

Hyundai’s autonomous driving affiliate, Motional, is also making strides towards commercialization. In March, Motional and Uber launched a robotaxi service in Las Vegas using the IONIQ 5, developed in partnership with Hyundai. This service marks a significant step in bringing autonomous vehicles from testing to public use.

Challenges in Air Mobility

Supernal, Hyundai’s advanced air mobility affiliate based in California, faces challenges as it laid off 296 employees, about 80% of its workforce, earlier this year. Despite these setbacks, Supernal aims to develop air mobility as a reliable transportation option, though it has yet to achieve commercial viability, as reported by the Los Angeles Times and AIN.

Hyundai’s ambitious investments highlight the dual nature of the artificial intelligence race: substantial losses today with the hope of defining tomorrow’s transportation market through robots, robotaxis, and advanced air mobility.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.