Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is seeking to bring Boston Dynamics fully under its ownership, moving to acquire SoftBank Group’s remaining holding in the US robotics firm.
The group confirmed it intends to purchase SoftBank’s entire stake in Boston Dynamics under terms set out in the parties’ existing agreements.
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The move follows SoftBank’s decision to exercise its put option, after which the relevant shareholders began examining contractual rights and obligations through their respective internal governance and approval processes.
HMG said it had been evaluating options to increase its stake in Boston Dynamics as part of a broader, long-term robotics strategy, aimed at deepening collaboration with the company and reinforcing its own robotics capabilities.
Several media report estimates have put the value of the transaction at around $325m for SoftBank’s 9.9% holding.
According to HMG, the transaction would bolster cooperation across its robotics operations and support execution of its long-term strategy in the sector.
HMG and Boston Dynamics are expected to continue their joint work on strengthening competitiveness in robotics and advancing AI-driven robotics technologies and associated ecosystems.
The group also outlined plans to deploy Atlas, Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot, at HMG Metaplant America from 2028, where it would initially assist with parts sequencing under the company’s smart factory initiatives.
HMG said Atlas’s role could extend to component assembly by 2030, contingent on further technology validation, operational readiness and business needs.
Boston Dynamics was founded in 1992 as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) spin-off by Marc Raibert.
HMG first acquired a controlling interest in the company from SoftBank in June 2021.
