You’ll be able to promote Boston Dynamics, however you possibly can’t absolutely stop it. Almost a decade after Google offered the robotics firm to SoftBank, the 2 are working collectively once more, asserting at CES 2026 that DeepMind will assist make Atlas smarter with its Gemini Robotics basis fashions.
The occasion additionally featured Boston Dynamics’ first-ever public demo of Atlas, the debut of a productized model of the humanoid, plans for a robotic coaching middle, and a roadmap to deploy Atlas in Hyundai factories worldwide.
First public demo of Atlas
The teleoperated Atlas demo was low-key however served as a becoming CES opener, giving a glimpse into the robotic’s future. The model demoed was the electrical prototype launched in early 2024.
“For the primary time ever in public, please welcome Atlas to the stage,” stated Zack Jackowski, GM of Atlas at Boston Dynamics.
It stood, walked, waved, spun, bent, and waved once more earlier than exiting. Later, a smooth, blue, product-ready model was revealed behind a curtain. You’ll be able to watch the demo atop the web page. Boston Dynamics is operating extra demos, each autonomous and teleoperated, at its CES sales space all through the week.
Marc Raibert, Boston Dynamics founder and govt director of the Robotics and AI Institute, attended the occasion. His presence, uncommon for CES, highlighted the significance of the announcement, which was attended by executives from Hyundai Motor Group, Boston Dynamics’ guardian firm since its $880 million acquisition in December 2020.
The prototype Atlas (left) helped unveil the brand new, productized model of Atlas at CES 2026. | Credit score: Hyundai
Partnering with Google DeepMind on AI
Whereas the demo stole the present, the partnership with Google DeepMind is extra vital. For humanoids to meet their promise as multi-purpose options, they need to transfer past pre-programmed routines. Advances in AI and robotic studying may give Atlas the intelligence to adapt to quite a lot of duties and environments.
Boston Dynamics has more and more relied on teleoperation, imitation studying, and simulation to coach Atlas relatively than hand-coded programming. Carolina Parada, head of robotics at Google DeepMind, stated the business is simply scratching the floor of what’s attainable with AI.
“Duties that require sure sensors the robotic doesn’t have are nonetheless restricted,” she stated. “However the robotic can be taught nearly something you possibly can constantly reveal via teleoperation.”
Aaron Saunders stepped down as CTO of Boston Dynamics in November 2025. He spent almost 20 years on the firm. In November 2025, he introduced he was becoming a member of Google DeepMind as VP of robotics {hardware} engineering.
Boston Dynamics just lately accomplished an Atlas proof of idea for Hyundai on elements sequencing. At CES, Hyundai outlined potential purposes past automotive, together with building, power, and services administration. Amassing real-world knowledge is pricey, Parada stated, so DeepMind is exploring strategies that permit Atlas to be taught with no need to see each object upfront.
To help this, Boston Dynamics and Hyundai introduced the Robotic Metaplant Software Middle (RMAC), opening in 2026. Knowledge collected from Hyundai factories will feed the RMAC, making a managed atmosphere for Atlas to coach on advanced duties.
“No firm has extra real-world knowledge than Hyundai Motor Group,” stated Wong Jae Lee.
Boston Dynamics additionally collaborates on AI with Toyota Analysis Institute and the Robotics and AI Institute, the latter funded by Hyundai. At press time, it was unclear how the DeepMind partnership will have an effect on these relationships, however adjustments could also be coming.
“The work left to automate is tough as a result of the duties range a lot,” Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter stated. “That’s the place AI is available in.”
Comparability of the previous electrical Atlas (left) and new manufacturing model. | Credit score: Humanoid Hub
Scaling the brand new Atlas
The brand new productized Atlas launched at CES is 6.2 toes tall, has a 7.5-foot attain, absolutely rotational joints, and might elevate as much as 110 kilos. It options 56 levels of freedom, an IP67 score, a brand new four-fingered hand, and a normal battery life of 4 hours, with the flexibility to swap batteries autonomously. Atlas might be operated autonomously, teleoperated by way of VR headset, or managed with a pill.
Boston Dynamics stated it centered on simplifying the design of the brand new model.
“We restricted the variety of motors used all through the robotic to get rid of complexity. Furthermore, all of Atlas’ limbs might be changed within the discipline in below 5 minutes, for ease of service and restore. From head to toe, each piece of Atlas’ {hardware} was constructed to cut back failure factors and allow straightforward upgrades. There will even be coaching and certification paths to empower your onsite upkeep groups to keep up your fleet.”
“This era of Atlas considerably reduces the quantity of distinctive elements within the robotic, and each part has been designed for compatibility with automotive provide chains. With Hyundai Motor Group’s backing, we’ll obtain the very best reliability and economies of scale within the business.”
All items for 2026 are already dedicated, transport to the RMAC and Google DeepMind, with extra prospects deliberate for 2027. Hyundai goals to fabricate as much as 30,000 humanoids yearly by 2028. It stated Atlas can be performing high-precision sequencing at scale in 2028 and complicated meeting duties slated for 2030.
“Our new Atlas is essentially the most manufacturing pleasant robotic we’ve ever designed,” stated Jackowski. “This era of Atlas considerably reduces the quantity of distinctive elements within the robotic, and each part has been designed for compatibility with automotive provide chains. With Hyundai Motor Group’s backing, we’ll obtain the very best reliability and economies of scale within the business.”
“That is the very best robotic we have now ever constructed,” stated Playter.
Humanoid hype
Playter famous the speedy proliferation of humanoids within the final 3–5 years, however stated the business’s success will depend upon industrial maturity.
“We’ve a workforce for integration, service, and restore. Most different firms are doing demos or promoting robots as platforms, hoping another person solves the purposes. That’s not how we do it,” he stated.
Boston Dynamics stated it deployed over 500 robots in 2025, producing round $130 million in income throughout Spot quadrupeds and the Stretch trailer loading system. Playter stated the corporate’s expertise scaling quadrupeds gives classes for humanoids.
“Some firms are saying they need to [deploy humanoids in the home first]. We predict that’s the incorrect technique for a number of causes,” stated Playter, citing excessive prices, low capabilities, and a scarcity of security requirements. “I can’t wait to have a robotic assist elevate me off the bed 20 years from now. We do need to go into properties, simply not now.”
