They don’t sleep, they don’t get paid, and they learn on their own: humanoid robots are expected to dominate car factories in the coming years, replacing most employees
Table Of Content
Published
21/01/2026 às 14:04
The advancement of humanoid robots It’s no longer just a theme in futuristic films. Now, it’s getting closer to the factory floor. Hyundai has confirmed that it will begin using it. smart robots in their production lines starting in 2028, in an initiative that promises to radically transform the way cars are manufactured.
These machines don’t sleep. They don’t receive salaries. They don’t need special lighting or air conditioning. Furthermore, they can learn tasks on their own. This new scenario raises an uncomfortable question: to what extent will human labor be necessary within industries?
A project that unites tech giants.
Hyundai’s humanoid robot, called Atlas, was developed in partnership with the Boston Dynamics, one of the world’s most advanced robotics companies. The project also has the support of Nvidia, responsible for the artificial intelligence system that allows the robot to evolve and adapt to new functions.
See also other features
-
At 89 years old, Seu Orestes wakes up at 3 a.m., herds cattle on foot, makes artisanal rope tobacco, works in the fields every day, and keeps the rural tradition alive in Poço Fundo, Minas Gerais.
-
The US drops 4 thermonuclear weapons in the Greenland ice during a secret mission at 35.000 feet; the accident spreads plutonium for kilometers and generates a crisis with Denmark after 1968.
-
Weighing 102,5 tons, erratic glacial rock, buried since the 1950s, was recovered in Hüven, Germany, using a 9-axle crane and modular transport system with millimeter precision.
-
The paradox of employment in Brazil: why the country grows, unemployment falls, and the workforce simply doesn’t appear.
According to the South Korean automaker, the Atlas was designed to operate in existing factories. This means it doesn’t require special structures. It integrates into the current industrial environment and adjusts to the demands of the business.
The company itself states: “Atlas is built to integrate with pre-existing factories, ensuring flexibility by adapting to emerging business needs, guaranteeing safety, reliability, and predictability.”.
Impressive capabilities
Atlas is a multi-purpose robot. It can learn complex tasks without needing lengthy training. Each unit can carry up to 50 kilograms and perform intense physical activities.
Furthermore, it operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -20°C to 40°CThe robot is waterproof, washable, and can even replace its own battery without human assistance.
Another noteworthy aspect is its “brain.” The artificial intelligence system allows the robot to evolve, learn new patterns, and refine its actions as the environment changes.
According to Hyundai, the humanoid robots They will begin operations in 2028 at the factory in Savannah, in the United StatesInitially, they will perform simple and highly repetitive tasks, such as sequencing parts.
By 2030, their functions are expected to expand to the assembly of vehicle components. In this way, the company hopes to reduce physical risks for human employees.
The automaker states that the idea is to replace people only in extremely heavy or dangerous activities. This way, workers can move into supervisory roles.
Other automakers are also entering the race.
Hyundai is not alone. BMW has already tested humanoid robots called (Figure 02, who managed to successfully collect and assemble car body parts.
A Mercedes-Benz Chinese automakers are also moving forward with similar projects. However, the one that promises to go even further is… Tesla.
Elon Musk is betting on robots. OptimusThis device would not only work in factories, but could also act as a personal assistant. According to Musk, the model will have sensors that mimic human touch, being able to hold an egg without breaking it.
If companies replace employees with robots, who should be held responsible for the resulting unemployment: the government or the companies themselves?
