Key Takeaways
- Hyundai plans to buy SoftBank’s remaining Boston Dynamics stake for $325 million.
- The deal would make Boston Dynamics a wholly owned Hyundai subsidiary.
- Hyundai is strengthening its robotics strategy beyond traditional automotive manufacturing.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to acquire SoftBank Group’s remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for $325 million, a move that would make the U.S. robotics company a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal marks the final step as Hyundai buys Boston Dynamics outright and expands its presence in the global robotics sector.
The proposed deal would consolidate Hyundai’s control of Boston Dynamics as the automaker continues to expand its robotics and advanced mobility business. Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Hyundai is expected to hold a board meeting on June 22 to approve the purchase, citing unnamed industry sources.
Hyundai seeks full ownership of robot maker
The report said SoftBank has informed Hyundai that it wants to exercise its right to sell its remaining stake in Boston Dynamics under a put option agreement established when Hyundai acquired a majority stake in the company in 2021.
Hyundai Motor Group and its affiliates already own more than 90% of Boston Dynamics, according to the newspaper. The ownership group includes Executive Chair Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, and Hyundai Glovis.
If approved, the transaction would give Hyundai complete ownership of the robotics firm known for developing advanced robots such as Spot, a four-legged robot, and Atlas, a humanoid robot.
Robotics remains a key growth area
The acquisition underscores Hyundai’s long-term commitment to robotics as a strategic growth sector. As Hyundai buys Boston Dynamics outright, the company is expected to deepen its investments in automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics technologies to support its future mobility ambitions.
Boston Dynamics has gained global recognition for its research and development in robotics, particularly in industrial, logistics, and mobility applications. Hyundai has previously said it sees robotics as a major pillar of its future business alongside electric vehicles and autonomous transportation.
Industry analysts have viewed Hyundai’s investment in Boston Dynamics as part of a broader effort to diversify beyond traditional automobile manufacturing.
Companies decline immediate comment
Hyundai Motor and SoftBank did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.
The newspaper did not indicate whether the purchase price had been finalized or whether regulatory approvals would be required before the transaction could be completed.
SoftBank acquired Boston Dynamics in 2017 and later sold a controlling stake to Hyundai in a deal announced in 2020 and completed in 2021. The Japanese investment group retained a minority ownership position following that transaction.
The reported sale would mark the final step in Hyundai’s takeover of the robotics company. If completed, Hyundai buys Boston Dynamics in full, strengthening its position in robotics, automation, and future mobility technologies.
Neither Hyundai nor SoftBank has publicly confirmed the reported transaction. More details are expected after Hyundai’s board meeting scheduled for next week, according to the newspaper.
