Hyundai wants to merge robots and cars after acquiring Boston Dynamics

Hyundai Motor Group has just announced that it has acquired ownership of Boston Dynamics from the Japanese conglomerate, Softbank. To those unfamiliar with Boston Dynamics, they’re the company behind those robot dogs your scare-mongering relative sometimes share in the family’s WhatsApp group.

The deal valued the mobile robot firm at $1.1 billion (RM 4.56 billion) and the Korean automotive giant owns an 80% stake of the American firm. The remaining 20% is owned by SoftBank and its affiliates.

Aside from being stars of “robot Armageddon” videos, the robots made by Boston Dynamics help in providing mobility as well as logistics in a variety of industries. These include power utilities, construction, distribution, and mining.

Through this acquisition, Hyundai has taken a major step in its strategic transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. In the field of robotics, the Korean group aims to develop technologies that enhance people’s lives and promote safety.

The deal is also expected to allow both Hyundai and Boston Dynamics to leverage each other’s respective strengths in manufacturing, logistics, construction, and automation. Perhaps some of the shared technology will arrive in a future Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis model.