Hyundai Motor’s union in South Korea has warned the company against introducing humanoid robots without its approval. It said the move could cause major job losses.
The message came after Hyundai revealed plans to deploy robots at its US plant in Georgia from 2028. The company aims to produce 30,000 units of the Atlas robot each year by that time.
The union said no new robots should enter workplaces without agreement. It accused Hyundai of trying to cut jobs and boost profits through automation. Hyundai’s shares have risen since the robot plans were announced, but the union said the news has created fear among workers.
Hyundai showed the production-ready Atlas robot, developed by Boston Dynamics, at a trade show in Las Vegas earlier this month.
The union also criticised Hyundai for shifting more production to the United States. It claimed the Georgia factory is already affecting output at two plants in South Korea.
Hyundai has said the US plant will build 500,000 cars a year by 2028. The company has not yet responded to the union’s statement.