Fear of humanoid robots spurs human workers to strike at Hyundai auto factory
Hyundai auto workers in South Korea have initiated strikes in response to the company's plans to deploy 25,000 Boston Dynamics Atlas humanoid robots in its factories. The labor action marks a significant escalation in tensions between organized labor and the adoption of humanoid automation in manufacturing.
Why it matters
This represents a landmark conflict between industrial labor unions and the integration of advanced humanoid robotics in the global automotive sector.
Resisting robot riveters Fear of humanoid robots spurs human workers to strike at Hyundai auto factory Hyundai aims to deploy 25,000 Atlas robots starting with US factories in 2028.
26 A concept image showing Boston Dynamics Atlas humanoid robots working in an auto factory. Credit: Boston Dynamics A concept image showing Boston Dynamics Atlas humanoid robots working in an auto factory. Credit: Boston Dynamics Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Thousands of unionized Hyundai auto workers began walking off the job early after negotiations with the South Korean automaker broke down over plans to deploy humanoid robots—the most significant pushback from organized labor so far over the latest wave of robotic automation.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in