SEOUL, South Korea: Plans by Hyundai Motor to introduce humanoid robots into its factories have sparked a warning from its powerful South Korean labour union, which says the move could threaten jobs unless workers are formally consulted.
In an internal letter, the union cautioned Hyundai against deploying humanoid robots without its consent, saying such plans could trigger “employment shocks.” The warning comes even as investors welcomed the strategy, sending Hyundai Motor’s shares to record highs.
“Remember that without a labour–management agreement, not a single robot using new technology will be allowed to enter the workplace,” the union said in the letter.
Hyundai Motor Group earlier this month unveiled the production version of the Atlas humanoid robot, developed by its robotics unit Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The automaker said it plans to begin deploying humanoid robots at its U.S. plant in Georgia starting in 2028. Hyundai has also outlined plans to build a factory capable of producing up to 30,000 robot units a year by 2028, with the longer-term goal of rolling out the technology across all of its production sites.
The union accused Hyundai of prioritising profits by using robots to shrink its workforce, rather than protecting existing jobs.
Hyundai Motor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The union also voiced concerns about Hyundai’s broader production strategy, particularly its growing investment in the United States. It said the company’s new factory in Georgia was already reducing output in South Korea and putting jobs at risk at two domestic plants.
Hyundai has previously said the Georgia facility is expected to reach annual production capacity of 500,000 vehicles by 2028, as the company adapts to U.S. tariffs and shifts in global trade.
Last year, Hyundai Motor, together with affiliate Kia Corp, ranked as the world’s third-largest automaker by sales.
The union’s objections highlight growing tension between automakers’ push to automate and workers’ fears of displacement, particularly as manufacturers invest heavily in robotics and overseas production to stay competitive in an increasingly protectionist trade environment.
