Hyundai Motor Group has made a large-scale investment in a U.S. startup developing artificial intelligence (AI) software for robot control. The move is seen as an effort to advance robot-related technologies, a key pillar in the transition to physical AI.
On the 22nd, the industry said Hyundai Motor Group invested in Field AI, a U.S. startup that continues a partnership with Boston Dynamics. The investment is said to be worth several million dollars.
Field AI is a startup that develops AI software for robot control. Field AI's "Field Foundation Model (FFM)" helps robots recognize and judge risk factors in real time even in complex and unpredictable environments.
Boston Dynamics' robot dog "Spot," equipped with the FFM developed by Field AI, is already said to have been deployed at construction sites in Asia, Europe and North America.
Hyundai Motor Group is not stopping at securing robot hardware technology but is simultaneously pursuing advanced software development, including the robot brain. The strategy is to rapidly enhance robot-related technologies, a core pillar of the physical AI transition, and lead the global shift to physical AI.
To that end, Hyundai Motor Group will make its largest-ever investment of 125.2 trillion won over five years in Korea by 2030. In addition to strengthening robot technology capabilities centered on Boston Dynamics, the group will marshal the capabilities of its affiliates to secure first-mover advantages across a broad range of robotics fields.
Hyundai Motor and Kia will provide manufacturing infrastructure, process control and production data, while Hyundai Mobis will develop precision actuators, a core robot component. Hyundai Glovis plans to optimize logistics and supply chain flows.