Boston Dynamics has entered into a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind to fast-track the development of its next-generation humanoid robot, Atlas, signalling a major step toward more intelligent, human-aware machines. The collaboration was unveiled onstage at Hyundai’s CES 2026 press conference, where both companies outlined plans to embed advanced artificial intelligence directly into Atlas as it transitions from an experimental platform to a real-world industrial product.
Carolina Parada, senior director of robotics at Google DeepMind, said Atlas will serve as the first major test case for the partnership, as the two organisations work together to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and physical humanoid robots operating in human environments. The goal is to ensure Atlas can function safely, intuitively, and effectively alongside people, not just perform impressive physical movements.
“We’re looking to integrate our cutting-edge AI foundation models with Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas robots, and we’ll aim to develop the world’s most advanced robot foundation model to fulfill the promise of true general-purpose human needs,” Parada said onstage. She highlighted how DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics models will help Atlas develop capabilities such as perception, reasoning, tool use, and social interaction, enabling robots to navigate complex, dynamic environments rather than relying on rigid, pre-programmed behaviors.
The partnership comes as Boston Dynamics prepares to deploy Atlas in real operational settings, beginning with Hyundai’s manufacturing facility in Savannah, Georgia. While Atlas has long been known for its athletic abilities—ranging from dynamic movement to balance and manipulation—the company is now emphasising intelligence as a core requirement for commercial viability.
Alberto Rodriguez, director of Atlas behavior at Boston Dynamics, underscored this shift, noting that making “Atlas into a product requires more than athletic performance for humanoids to really deliver on their promise. They have to be able to interact with people naturally.” This human-centric interaction is critical as humanoid robots move closer to shared workspaces on factory floors and beyond.
Hyundai plans to support this evolution through its newly announced Robot Metaplant Application Center, which will provide Atlas with continuous access to real-world factory data. That feedback loop is expected to play a key role in training, refining, and scaling robot intelligence over time. Together, Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind aim to redefine what humanoid robots can do when advanced AI meets real-world deployment.
