Hyundai Motor Company has clarified that its plans to deploy humanoid robots by 2028 are not part of ongoing negotiations with striking South Korean autoworkers. The automaker states that the current labor discussions focus on wage increases and retirement extensions, rather than technological displacement.

The company is disputing reports suggesting that union concerns about potential job losses due to automation have sparked partial strikes at its largest plant in South Korea. Hyundai emphasizes that their plans for Atlas robots are limited to an electric vehicle factory in Georgia, with future deployments subject to local needs and employee consultations.

However, The Wall Street Journal describes the union’s demands as unprecedented, seeking job protections in the age of AI. They warn that any wage reforms might come at a cost to company productivity. Despite these tensions, Hyundai remains committed to constructive dialogue with its workforce representatives.