Hyundai Motor Group to make Boston Dynamics wholly owned with purchase of SoftBank stake

thestar.com.my Jul 16, 2026

Hyundai Motor Group to make Boston Dynamics wholly owned with purchase of SoftBank stake

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Hyundai Motor Group announced it will fully acquire U.S. robotics firm Boston Dynamics by purchasing SoftBank Group’s 10% stake, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal, estimated at around 500 billion won ($335 million), aims to integrate Boston Dynamics’ advanced robotics into Hyundai’s operations. The company plans to deploy the Atlas humanoid robot at a Georgia plant starting in 2028, initially for parts sequencing and later for broader manufacturing tasks by 2030.

💡 Why It Matters

· Hyundai’s full acquisition of Boston Dynamics signals a strategic push toward automation in automotive manufacturing.
· By integrating humanoid robots into production lines, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation factory innovation.

Capsules Robotics

Read full article on thestar.com.my

Lockheed Martin taps Machina’s robots for mission-critical missile parts

Machina Labs has been awarded a qualification contract by Lockheed Martin to support the JASSM missile program using its robotic "RoboForming" technology. This marks the first time a component made with Machina’s system has advanced to qualification for a U.S. defense missile system. The contract will be produced at Machina Factory 3, a new 200,000-sq.-ft. facility dedicated to defense clients, aiming to compress production timelines from months to days.

💡 The use of robotic forming in missile production could redefine how defense systems are manufactured, offering faster turnaround and greater flexibility in producing complex parts. By integrating multiple processes under one roof, Machina’s approach supports urgent defense needs with reduced risk and increased scalability.

digitimes.com · Jul 16

Foxconn deepens humanoid robotics bet with US$9 million stake in Agility-linked SPAC

Foxconn has invested US$9 million in a US special-purpose acquisition company connected to Agility Robotics, a developer of humanoid robots. The move highlights the growing interest in AI-driven automation among manufacturers and supply-chain players. The investment reflects a broader trend as companies position themselves in the evolving robotics and automation landscape.

💡 Foxconn’s stake signals a strategic pivot toward robotics, aligning with its long-term vision to diversify beyond electronics manufacturing. The partnership could accelerate the commercialization of humanoid robots, a sector with potential applications in logistics, healthcare, and beyond.

socialnews.xyz · Jul 16

Trump bets on AI to transform US military

US President Donald Trump has announced a push to integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies into the military, aiming to modernize defense capabilities. Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump emphasized collaboration with tech firms and investors to accelerate innovation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted a shift toward faster, competitive procurement and the importance of staying ahead in military technology. Several companies announced major investments in defense tech, including Voyager Technologies and AI firm AIR.

💡 The shift signals a strategic pivot toward private-sector-driven innovation in national defense, potentially reshaping how the US military adapts to future threats. By prioritizing speed and competition over traditional bureaucratic processes, the administration is opening the door for startups and tech firms to play a central role in shaping the battlefield of tomorrow.

nypost.com · Jul 16

$15K robotic EV talks back and parks itself — but you can’t…

Chip Motors, a Miami-based company, introduced a $15,000 electric vehicle designed for short commutes, featuring voice-assisted navigation, self-parking, and smart home integration. The compact EV, dubbed a “life utility vehicle,” has a top speed of 25 mph and a 100-mile range, but it is not freeway legal. It can charge via standard household outlets or faster 240-volt connections and includes features like maintenance alerts and rerouting suggestions.

💡 The Chip EV targets urban and suburban drivers seeking affordable, tech-forward transportation for local travel. Its limitations on major highways and reliance on short-range travel highlight a niche market for micro-mobility solutions in congested or low-speed zones.

nypost.com · Jul 16

$15K robotic EV talks back and parks itself — but you can’t…

Chip Motors, a Miami-based company, has introduced a $15,000 electric vehicle designed for short commutes, featuring voice-assisted navigation, self-parking, and smart home integration. The compact EV, dubbed a "life utility vehicle," has a top speed of 25 mph and a 100-mile range. Despite its advanced features, it is not street-legal on freeways and resembles a rugged golf cart more than a traditional car. The vehicle charges via standard or fast 240-volt connections and includes real-time maintenance alerts.

💡 The Chip EV signals a shift toward niche urban transportation solutions tailored for low-speed, short-range travel. Its integration of AI and smart home features highlights how emerging EVs are evolving beyond mere mobility into personal assistants, even as limitations like speed and road access define their practical use.

smarthouse.com.au · Jul 16

MOVA Launches Award-Winning Premium Robot Vacuum in Australia With Z70 Ultra Roller

MOVA has launched its award-winning Z70 Ultra Roller robot vacuum in Australia, offering advanced cleaning technology for premium home care. The product is designed to deliver high-performance cleaning with smart navigation and powerful suction. The launch marks MOVA’s expansion into the Australian market and reflects growing consumer demand for efficient, automated home solutions.

💡 The Z70 Ultra Roller targets a segment of Australian consumers seeking top-tier robotic vacuums, filling a gap in the market for reliable, high-end automation. Its entry signals increased competition in the smart home sector, pushing innovation in domestic robotics.