Global Scans · Robots · Weekly Summary

• [New] Humanoid robot semiconductor sales are forecast to increase at 55% annually through 2045. Nasdaq
• [New] The Atlas robot could start working in Hyundai factories as soon as 2028. AOL
• [New] Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot is special because it does not just look more like a human - it might soon be able to replace or supplement the work of humans on the Hyundai factory assembly line. AOL
• [New] Motional, Hyundai Motor Group's autonomous driving joint venture, plans to commercialise a fully driverless Level 4 robotaxi service in Las Vegas by the end of 2026, following supervised pilot operations using the Ioniq 5 robotaxi platform earlier in the year. Automotive World
• [New] In 2026, artificial intelligence will enter the robotics mainstream, making robots more and more autonomous. Ready for Tomorrow
• [New] The Optimus humanoid robot represents Tesla's foray into robotics, with production expected to begin in 2026. WebProNews
• [New] Russia has shown drone infiltration vulnerability. NextBigFuture.com
• [New] Tesla will significantly expand its Robotaxi (autonomous taxi) fleet by 2026. Tiger Brokers
• [New] Hyundai drew particular attention by unveiling both research and production versions of Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot, announcing plans to begin mass production in 2028 at its Georgia plant, with a target of 30,000 units annually to handle hazardous and repetitive manufacturing tasks. DIGITIMES Inc.
• [New] Autonomous on-road vehicle testing began last month in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the ride-hailing service is expected to launch later in 2026. Assembly
• [New] The rapid production of British-built Octopus interceptor drones will begin this month, boosting Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian drone attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. GOV.UK
• [New] Amazon Prime Air will test consumer drone deliveries, having recently conducted flights in Darlington using the advanced MK30 drone, which incorporates enhanced safety and obstacle avoidance features. eplaneai
• [New] Robotics will be a major form factor for AI computing as evidenced by Arm's announcement of a Physical AI unit for robotics-focused chip design, Boston Dynamics' embrace of Google's Gemini models in its new Atlas humanoid robot, and Qualcomm's launch of the IQ10 robotics platform. Futurum
• While the U.S. lags behind in industrial robot adoption, it has the opportunity to implement a different strategy to play to its competitive strengths: building gray factories. Automation.com
• South Korean carmaker Hyundai formally announced that, by 2028, the Atlas humanoid robot being developed by Hyundai subsidiary Boston Dynamics will take on some tasks in Hyundai's factory in the US state of Georgia. Forrester
• Boston Dynamics confirmed that initial units will be deployed in 2026 at Hyundai's Metaplant in Georgia, signaling Atlas's transition from research platform to commercial workforce robot. Interesting Engineering
• Before a robot is deployed to the Georgia EV megaplant (scheduled for 2028, with pilot testing throughout 2026), it undergoes intensive training at RMAC to learn specific tasks. datapro.news
• Boston Dynamics is a bit less clear on what the initial tasks will be, noting that it is, starting to work with select customers to evaluate, train, and perfect feature-rich, autonomous material handling solutions. Automate
• Tesla's autonomous driving sector is expected to see positive advancements in three areas in 2026. Tradingkey
• Tesla's narrative remains characteristically ambitious, with Elon Musk continuing to highlight long-term opportunities ranging from autonomous driving to humanoid robots. investing.com
• The latest Optimus 3 robot is unlikely to enter mass production until the end of 2026 at the earliest, but Musk thinks it will scale to 1 million annual units very quickly. Nasdaq
• Autonomous driving company Mobileye will acquire AI-powered humanoid robotics startup Mentee Robotics for $900 million. National Law Review
• By combining Mentee's breakthroughs in humanoid robotics with Mobileye's expertise in automotive autonomy, and its proven ability to productize advanced AI, we have a unique opportunity to lead the evolution of physical AI across robotics and autonomous vehicles on a global scale. Mobileye

Last updated: 19 January 2026