Hyundai’s fight over humanoid robots has led to the auto industry’s first factory shutdown over automation, just days after the company’s workers’ union said the Atlas humanoid robot would never step onto a production line without employees agreeing first. According to a Wall Street Journal report, workers at Hyundai’s South Korean plants have launched a partial strike over concerns that robots and artificial intelligence (AI) could threaten future jobs. The work stoppage comes as the automaker and its union remain locked in negotiations over wages, job security and the planned use of humanoid robots in factories.
Hyundai union demands safeguards before Atlas robot deployment
The strike began earlier this week at Hyundai’s production facilities in Ulsan, South Korea. The action follows the union’s warning that Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot should not be introduced on production lines without workers’ approval.Union secretary-general Byun Jun-hwan said employees want safeguards in place before humanoid robots become part of factory operations. “We have to prepare to ensure there are safeguards in place,” he said.Hyundai has not announced when Atlas will be deployed in South Korea, but it has said the robot is expected to begin operating at its non-union Metaplant in Georgia by 2028.
Hyundai workers union seek protection as AI and robots enter factories
The union, which represents about 40,000 workers, is asking for stronger job protections as automation expands. Its demands include changing production workers from hourly wages to fixed salaries, increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65, and introducing guarantees to protect jobs as AI and robots are adopted.Negotiations between Hyundai and the union began in May but failed to reach an agreement.Workers are currently stopping work for four hours each day. Industry estimates cited by the Wall Street Journal say the strike could reduce production by around 5,000 vehicles and cut Hyundai’s sales by more than 200 billion won ($134 million).
