Hyundai and Boston Dynamics to launch AI Institute

Hyundai Motor Group has recently announced plans to invest an initial US$400mn in a US-based artificial intelligence (AI) research centre to strengthen its robotics technology capabilities.

Named the Boston Dynamics AI Institute (the Institute), with the goal of making fundamental advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and intelligent machines, it will be led by Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics.

Talent across AI, robotics, computing, machine learning and engineering will develop technology for robots and use it to advance their capabilities and usefulness. The Institute's culture is designed to combine features of university research labs with those of corporate development labs while working in four core technical areas: cognitive AI, athletic AI, organic hardware design as well as ethics and policy.

"Our mission is to create future generations of advanced robots and intelligent machines that are smarter, more agile, perceptive and safer than anything that exists today. The unique structure of the Institute — top talent focused on fundamental solutions with sustained funding and excellent technical support — will help us create robots that are easier to use, more productive, able to perform a wider variety of tasks, and that are safer working with people," said Marc Raibert Executive Director of Boston Dynamics AI Institute.

Investing into AI and robotics 

Last year, Hyundai Motor Group officially completed its acquisition of robotics company Boston Dynamics. The purchase saw Hyundai pick up an 80% controlling stake in the company, with the previous owner, Softbank, retaining 20% ownership.

This move by the Group was a step toward its strategic transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. To propel this transformation, the Group has invested substantially in the development of future technologies, including autonomous driving, artificial intelligence (AI), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), smart factories and robots.