Hyundai
Hyundai hires Tesla's former Optimus head for Boston Dynamics
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Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Milan Kovac, the former head of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, as a group adviser and outside director for its robotics subsidiary Boston Dynamics. The move comes amid Hyundai's push into advanced robotics following the unveiling of its next-generation Atlas robot at CES 2026. Kovac's departure from Tesla in June 2025 had already disrupted the company's humanoid robot efforts.
Hyundai Motor reported four minor injuries from rear power seats in new Palisade SUVs that may trap people. Sales remain halted after a two-year-old girl's death in Ohio earlier this month. The company recalled 68,500 vehicles in the US and Canada.
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Two months after Hyundai's CES 2026 unveiling of the Atlas humanoid robot, the company's shares jumped 80 percent amid intensifying competition with Tesla's Optimus in the humanoid robotics market, projected to hit $5 trillion by 2050. While Atlas targets heavy industry from 2028, Tesla aims for affordable home use.
Imported vehicles, spearheaded by Tesla, are approaching a 20% share of the South Korean automotive market. In response to a domestic sales slump and rising imports, Hyundai is reorganizing its leadership structure. This development highlights growing competition in the local industry.