The Background: How Hyundai Got Here
Boston Dynamics has long been famous for its robots that can run, jump, and even dance. Its humanoid robot, Atlas, first caught public attention years ago with viral videos of backflips and parkour routines. But until recently, these robots were mostly seen as experimental technology rather than tools ready for the workplace. That began to change when Hyundai purchased an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021. Hyundai already used Boston Dynamics’ doglike robot “Spot” for inspection and maintenance at its factories. The next step was obvious: bring Atlas into the industrial world and use humanoid robots for assembly line work.Toyota Joins the Mission
Hyundai wasn’t working alone for long. The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has now partnered with Boston Dynamics to bring new artificial intelligence into the Atlas II project. Instead of programming robots for one simple job at a time, Toyota’s software uses something called a Large Behavior Model (LBM). Think of it as the robotics version of the Large Language Models that power AI chatbots, but instead of predicting words, the system predicts actions for the whole robot body. This lets Atlas move more naturally, like a person, without pausing to reset its balance before doing something new.What Makes the New Atlas Different
The difference with this new system is easy to see in demonstrations. In one test, Atlas was shown opening a container of parts. As it worked, an engineer used a hockey stick to knock the container flap closed. Instead of stopping and recalculating, Atlas smoothly reopened the flap and continued the task. Other tests showed Atlas using both hands together—something earlier versions rarely did. It could bend down, grab a fallen part, or pull the container back into position in one continuous motion, without stopping to stabilize itself first. This is a huge leap forward. Old-style robots often needed step-by-step commands and balance checks. Atlas II, powered by LBM, can adjust in real-time just as a human worker would.Training Robots the Human Way
Another key breakthrough is how the robot learns. With traditional programming, engineers had to code every step of every task manually. That made it nearly impossible to scale humanoid robots into real-world jobs. With LBM, however, Atlas can be trained with just a single human demonstration. Once it sees how a person does the task, the system learns how to replicate it while maintaining full-body coordination. According to Russ Tedrake, TRI’s Senior Vice President of LBM, the models are improving so quickly that they need fewer demonstrations to master harder tasks. This could allow robots like Atlas II to learn new jobs almost on the fly, just like a human worker in training.The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Humanoid robots have long been seen as the “holy grail” of robotics. If perfected, they could replace people in jobs that are repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding—such as factory work, mining, disaster response, or even elder care. Tesla has been promoting its Optimus robot, showing off updated prototypes every year. But Hyundai and Toyota’s partnership could create a serious competitor. By combining Boston Dynamics’ hardware expertise with Toyota’s AI-driven behavior modeling, Atlas II may end up being one of the most advanced humanoid robots in the world.What’s Next for Atlas II
The ultimate goal is to deploy Atlas II in real-world environments, starting with automotive factories. By the end of the next decade, it’s possible that an entire car assembly line could be staffed by humanoid robots like Atlas II. For now, the project remains in development, but the pace of progress is fast. Toyota and Hyundai only began their official collaboration in October 2024, yet by mid-2025, the Atlas II was already demonstrating impressive new capabilities. While a future filled with robot workers may still be far away, this partnership shows that it’s getting closer than many expected.Final Thoughts
The robotics race is heating up. Tesla may have captured attention with Optimus, but Hyundai and Toyota are quietly building something just as ambitious. The Atlas II project isn’t just about making robots look human—it’s about making them act human, think on their feet, and adapt to changing situations. If these companies succeed, we may soon enter a new era where humanoid robots stand alongside us in workplaces, handling the toughest jobs while humans focus on creativity and innovationFAQs
How does Toyota help Atlas II robot?
Toyota, via its Research Institute, gave Atlas II a smarter brain called a Large Behavior Model. This lets the robot learn tasks by copying human actions, so it acts more naturally and adapts quickly—even when things change suddenly.
What makes Atlas II different from old robots?
Atlas II uses a Large Behavior Model to control its whole body together—instead of separately balancing and using arms. So it can move, adjust, and keep working smoothly, even when someone moves its workspace.
When did Toyota and Boston Dynamics start working together?
The partnership began in October 2024 when Toyota Research Institute teamed up with Boston Dynamics (part of Hyundai). Since then, they've been teaching Atlas II to do more dynamic whole-body tasks.
Can Atlas II react to surprises during work?
Yes! In demonstrations, someone would close a container lid or move the box during Atlas II's task. It just adjusted, reopened the lid or repositioned, and kept working—without pausing to reset.
Will Hyundai use Atlas II in their factories?
Yes. Hyundai owns Boston Dynamics and plans to test Atlas II in real factory settings. For instance, starting around October 2025, the robot is expected to work in Hyundai’s EV plant in Georgia, handling actual production tasks.
What is a Large Behavior Model (LBM)?
A Large Behavior Model (LBM) is like a robot’s adaptable brain—it watches human actions and then learns how to move its whole body naturally. That means fewer instructions and more human-like flexibility.
Why is Atlas II more human-like now?
Because its “brain” controls walking, balancing, and using hands all at once. That makes its movements smoother and more lifelike—like bending, grabbing, and walking in one flowing motion—even when things change.
When will Atlas start working on real tasks?
In mid-2025, Toyota and Boston Dynamics showed Atlas II doing smart tasks in videos. Then in October 2025, Hyundai plans the first real factory trial at their EV plant in Georgia. After that, wider use may follow.
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