Hyundai Motor Group is about to become the sole owner of the company that made robot dogs famous. The South Korean automaker plans to acquire SoftBank Group’s remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for $325 million, a deal that would give Hyundai complete control of one of the world’s most recognizable robotics firms.
The timing is not accidental. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2026, with initial units earmarked for Hyundai’s own facilities and Google DeepMind. Buying out SoftBank now means Hyundai won’t have a minority stakeholder looking over its shoulder during what could be the most consequential phase in Boston Dynamics’ history.
How the deal came together
This acquisition isn’t a surprise bid. It’s the fulfillment of a contractual mechanism baked into the original deal structure.
Back in December 2020, Hyundai purchased an 80% controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank for $880 million, part of a transaction that valued the robotics company at $1.1 billion. That agreement included a put option allowing SoftBank to sell its remaining stake to Hyundai at a later date.
