Toyota Motor’s research arm and Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics are partnering to accelerate the development of AI-powered humanoid robots. Announced on Wednesday (Oct 16), the collaboration will bring together Toyota Research Institute’s expertise in machine behavior learning with Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot. Research teams from both companies, based in Boston, will explore AI-driven applications for robots, particularly in human-robot interactions.
Toyota recently reported advancements in AI for teaching robots, while Boston Dynamics, acquired by Hyundai in 2020, has seen commercial success with its robotic guard dog and warehouse restocking robot. This partnership aims to compete with similar initiatives, such as Tesla’s Optimus robot, and other emerging humanoid robotics startups attracting significant investment.
The joint effort will focus on foundational research with the goal of eventual commercial use, though the companies have not disclosed specific timelines or budget details.
