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LAS VEGAS — Hyundai Motor Group announced on January 8th (local time) that "Atlas," the humanoid robot developed by its robotics subsidiary Boston Dynamics, has been named the "Best Robot of CES 2026" by CNET, a leading global IT media outlet and official CES partner.

CNET, which selects winners across 22 categories, highly praised Atlas for its fluid, natural gait and sophisticated design. The outlet noted that Atlas perfectly embodies Hyundai’s vision of AI robotics—a future where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly. "Among the numerous humanoids showcased at CES 2026, Atlas stood out as the definitive leader," CNET remarked. "While the prototype impressed with its movement, the production-ready version is now fully prepared for deployment within Hyundai’s manufacturing facilities."

The latest iteration of Atlas features significant hardware advancements. Most of its joints are capable of full 360-degree rotation, and its human-sized hands are equipped with advanced tactile sensors to handle delicate components. Furthermore, a 360-degree camera system allows the robot to perceive its environment from all directions, ensuring safety and precision in busy workspaces.

Hyundai Motor Group has a clear roadmap for the robot's integration. Starting in 2028, Atlas will be deployed at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, U.S., where it will initially handle parts sequencing and sorting. By 2030, the group plans to expand its role to include complex vehicle assembly tasks.

"This award is a testament to our team's dedication to bringing world-class humanoid technology to the market," said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. He expressed gratitude to the Boston team and Hyundai Motor Group for providing the platform to showcase this breakthrough at CES.

The recognition of Atlas marks a pivotal shift for the robotics industry, signaling that humanoid robots are moving past the experimental phase and into the era of commercialized industrial labor.

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