Hyundai’s Plant – 40% Automated!

Hyundai’s Georgia Metaplant America facility is set to revolutionize automotive manufacturing with Atlas humanoid robots that will automate up to 40% of vehicle assembly work by year’s end.

At a Glance 

  • Hyundai has launched a $7.6 billion electric and hybrid vehicle plant in Georgia that features AI, 5G technology, and advanced automation
  • Atlas robots from Boston Dynamics (acquired by Hyundai in 2021) will perform tasks traditionally done by humans, including lifting heavy components and installing vehicle doors
  • The facility aims to produce 500,000 vehicles annually and create 8,500 full-time jobs by 2031
  • Automation efforts are part of Hyundai’s $21 billion investment plan in the U.S., with $6 billion allocated for innovation and automation
  • North America is Hyundai’s largest market, with U.S. sales rising by 4% last year despite global sales challenges

Revolutionary Automation in American Manufacturing

Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its cutting-edge Metaplant America facility in Georgia, representing a $7.6 billion investment in electric and hybrid vehicle production. The plant stands out as one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing facilities in the automotive industry, powered by artificial intelligence, private 5G networks, and extensive robotics integration. This state-of-the-art facility will initially produce 100,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually, with plans to scale up to 500,000 units as operations expand. The plant’s implementation of next-generation automation technologies reflects Hyundai’s strategic vision to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities in the United States. 

The Georgia plant incorporates nearly total automation with autonomous robots, AI vision systems, and automated processes throughout the vehicle assembly workflow. Georgia-based Future Technologies has provided the facility with private 5G technology, utilizing Nokia’s cellular core and radio network systems. This connectivity infrastructure is crucial for supporting industrial automation and the fleet of autonomous mobile robots that will operate throughout the facility. The investment is expected to create 8,500 full-time jobs by 2031, making it the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history.

Atlas Robots: The Future of Manufacturing

At the center of Hyundai’s automation strategy is the deployment of Atlas humanoid robots, developed by Boston Dynamics, which Hyundai acquired from SoftBank in 2021. These advanced robots will perform tasks traditionally done by human workers, such as lifting heavy components and installing vehicle doors. By the end of the year, Hyundai plans to have these robots handling up to 40% of vehicle assembly work at the Georgia facility. The company’s long-term strategy includes purchasing tens of thousands of robots to enhance its position in mobile robotics and to further streamline manufacturing operations across its global facilities. 

“HMGMA not only represents the group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia. With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America,”, said Euisun Chung. 

In addition to the Atlas robots, Hyundai is utilizing Spot robots for industrial inspections and implementing various Industry 4.0 solutions. These include AI systems for vehicle parts management, inventory control, and component assembly verification. The extensive automation reflects Hyundai’s response to challenges such as U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles and the need to maintain competitive pricing. The company’s significant investment in domestic production aims to reduce vulnerability to import tariffs from South Korea while maintaining the brand’s market position in North America. 

Expanding American Manufacturing Footprint

Hyundai’s investment in Georgia includes a joint battery venture with LG Energy Solution and SK On, further solidifying the company’s commitment to electric vehicle production in the United States. Additionally, Hyundai has announced plans for a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana that will begin commercial production in 2029, supplying automotive steel plates to the Georgia plant. This vertical integration strategy aims to create a more resilient supply chain and reduce dependency on imported materials. Hyundai is also considering expanding capacity at its existing Alabama plant as part of its broader U.S. manufacturing expansion. 

“Future Technologies has been headquartered out of Georgia for over 25 years. We appreciate the value that this investment by Hyundai Motor Group brings to the local market. We are very proud [of] our contribution to this project as the lead system integrator for the facility’s private 5G solution. Our skilled engineers and technicians designed and delivered the network, providing critical connectivity infrastructure to support industrial automation and autonomous mobile robots,” Peter Cappiello said.

The Georgia Metaplant represents a significant portion of Hyundai’s $21 billion investment plan in the United States, with $6 billion specifically allocated for innovation, automation, and strategic partnerships. Despite the push for increased automation, Hyundai remains committed to creating jobs and investing in local communities. The company’s hybrid vehicles have contributed significantly to its brand strength in the U.S. market, where sales rose by 4% last year despite a global sales slump. Hyundai has also confirmed it will hold prices steady until June, despite industry-wide concerns about potential consumer pushback to price increases.