Hyundai auto workers strike over humanoid robot deployment

Thousands of unionized Hyundai workers began walking off the job at the Ulsan complex, the world's largest automotive plant, after talks broke down over plans to deploy humanoid robots. It marks the car industry's first factory stoppage over humanoid robots and the most significant organized-labor pushback yet against the automation wave. Resistance began when Hyundai unveiled the latest Boston Dynamics Atlas robot, a two-legged machine over 6 feet tall that lifts more than 100 pounds. Boston Dynamics is about to become a wholly owned Hyundai subsidiary. Workers plan four-hour strikes from July 20 to 22 after 15 failed negotiation rounds.

View full digest for July 17, 2026