Hyundai Taps Former Tesla Robotics Leader to Bolster AI and Humanoid Robot Strategy

Hyundai Motor Group is bringing aboard Milan Kovac, who previously led Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, as the South Korean automaker accelerates its push into robotics and artificial intelligence, according to Reuters.

Kovac will serve as an adviser to Hyundai Motor Group and is slated to become an outside director at Boston Dynamics, the company's U.S. robotics subsidiary, Reuters reported Friday.

The appointment marks a significant hire for Hyundai as it seeks to compete in the rapidly evolving humanoid robotics market. Kovac departed Tesla last June after leading the Optimus humanoid program since 2022, when he was named director of both Optimus and Autopilot Engineering.

According to Reuters, Hyundai stated that the move demonstrates how the company is working to strengthen its technology capabilities by bringing in global expertise in AI and robotics convergence. Kovac will contribute to strategic planning and commercialization efforts across Hyundai's robotics portfolio, which includes platforms such as Spot, Stretch, Orbit, and Atlas.

The hire comes as Hyundai positions itself in what it views as a high-growth market. The company anticipates that humanoid robots will become the largest segment of the physical artificial intelligence market—referring to AI systems integrated into hardware that can gather real-world data and operate autonomously, Reuters noted.

This isn't Hyundai's only recent talent acquisition from Silicon Valley's tech giants. Earlier this week, the automaker appointed Park Min-woo, a former Tesla and Nvidia engineer, to head its advanced vehicle platform division and serve as CEO of 42dot, according to Reuters. That move is aimed at strengthening Hyundai's capabilities in software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving.

The strategy appears to be resonating with investors. Shares of Hyundai Motor have surged more than 34% since the company revealed the production version of its humanoid robot at CES last week, significantly outpacing the benchmark KOSPI index's 7% gain over the same period, Reuters reported.