Summer 2026
Atlas VLA Research Intern
Posted on 4/18/2026
Boston Dynamics
1,001-5,000 employees
Develops legged robots for industrial use
Compensation Overview
$30 - $45/hr
Waltham, MA, USA
In Person
Master's, PhD
 AI & Machine Learning (2) |
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- Actively pursuing a PhD (preferred) or a research-heavy Master’s in Computer Science, Robotics, Machine Learning, or a related field.
- Expertise in ONE or more of the following tracks: Training large-scale multimodal models (VLMs/LLMs), imitation learning, or generative world models for robotics.
- Expertise in classical and learned SLAM, visual odometry, or extrinsic/intrinsic camera calibration at scale.
- Lead a high-stakes research project focused on either VLA scaling/training or spatial perception (SLAM/Calibration).
- Prototype and deploy your algorithms directly on Atlas, moving from simulation to hardware.
- Architect data pipelines that ingest alternative data sources to improve robot robustness.
- Write production-grade code (Python/C++) that integrates with our existing systems.
- Collaborate across teams to integrate learned policies with low-level robot control.
- Experience troubleshooting and deploying algorithms on physical robot platforms, especially mobile and humanoid form factors.
- Experience working with and contributing to large-scale datasets (e.g., Open X-Embodiment) or specialized data collection approaches like Universal Manipulation Interface.
- Experience with large-scale cluster training (SLURM, distributed GPU training) and maintaining high-quality codebases.
- Strong grasp of Lie groups, optimization, or transformer architectures.
Boston Dynamics designs and sells advanced legged robots to improve safety and efficiency in industrial and research settings. Its products, such as Spot and Pick, use onboard AI to perceive the environment, balance and navigate complex terrain, and autonomously avoid obstacles, enabling tasks that are dangerous or physically demanding for people. Spot is a mobile, 65-pound robot that can traverse stairs, uneven surfaces, and rough terrain, while Pick focuses on manipulation for robotics workflows. The company differentiates itself through its focus on mobility, dexterity, and safety, maintaining US-made production, and offering controlled sales plus ongoing maintenance, training, and support to commercial, industrial, and academic clients rather than consumer buyers. The goal is to augment human workers by handling risky or monotonous tasks, increasing safety and productivity across industries.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$1.2B
Headquarters
Waltham, Massachusetts
Founded
1992
Get referred to Boston Dynamics
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Hyundai plans Atlas deployment at Georgia Metaplant in 2028, then assembly work by 2030.
- Spot's July 2026 delivery pilot targets 200 packages daily with major logistics partners.
- Full Hyundai ownership removes governance friction and funds commercialization across robotics and physical AI.
What critics are saying
- Robert Playter stepped down in February 2026, and Semafor reported broader C-suite departures.
- Atlas production is committed to Hyundai and Google DeepMind, exposing weak external demand.
- If Atlas misses 99.9% reliability by 2028, Hyundai's factory rollout becomes an expensive showcase failure.
What makes Boston Dynamics unique
- Spot, Atlas, and Stretch combine legged mobility with industrial manipulation, unlike warehouse-only rivals.
- Hyundai completed full ownership on July 20, 2026, backing Boston Dynamics with manufacturing scale.
- Orbit software and real-world deployments in 40-plus countries create unmatched field data loops.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -1%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↓ -2%BuiltWorlds survey tracks contractors' marked uptick in robotics adoption. Sources: BuiltWorlds, Chicago; CP staff The BuiltWorlds 2026 Equipment & Robotics Benchmarking Report indicates a year-over-year doubling of jobsite robotics usage or testing by general and specialty contractors. Among respondents to the survey behind the report, 79 percent reported employing jobsite robotics to some degree; 32 percent noted they had "piloted or trialed" an automation solution on at least one jobsite, up from 12 percent in the 2025 survey. "These systems are engineered to operate within the dynamic, often unpredictable environments of active construction sites, improving productivity, worker safety, task consistency and overall operational efficiency," says BuiltWorlds Research Director Audrey Lynch, report author. "As construction projects grow larger, more complex, and increasingly data-driven, demand for reliable, high-performing automation continues to rise." More specifically, 2026 survey data shows that while reducing manual effort - a factor among 63 percent of respondents - and addressing safety concerns (56 percent) continue to be key benefits driving adoption, the ability to improve accuracy was the most cited factor (75 percent) in contractors turning to robotics. The accuracy element suggests contractors increasingly value the precision and quality gains robotics deliver, alongside labor and safety benefits, notes Lynch. While survey respondents identified a range of robotic solutions on jobsites the world over, FieldAI, Boston Dynamics and Dusty Robotics stand out for ratings and usage, she adds: "FieldAI because it was the most highly rated; BostonDynamics because it was the most adopted; and Dusty because it was the most piloted." FieldAI and Boston Dynamics rank in the On-Site category of BuiltWorlds' just-released 2026 Robotics Top 50. On-Site spans Inspection & Monitoring, Installation & Finishing and Layout subcategories. Alongside On-Site are Automated Machinery & Related Solutions, with Demolition, Earthmoving & Excavating and Material Transport subcategories, plus Offsite Robotics, with 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing and Prefabricated Component Manufacturing subcategories. On-Site/Installation includes Advanced Construction Robotics, developer of the automated TyBot rebar tying technology; Offsite/3D includes Cobod and Icon, leaders in structural-grade concrete or mortar printing assemblies. "The companies that made this year's list show how global robotics have become," says Audrey Lynch. "The 2026 honorees include companies from 16 countries." While many showcased in this year's list operate out of the U.S., she adds, others are based in Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Lichtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.
Hyundai outlines South Korea physical AI expansion. By Asia Today and translated by UPI World News - UPI.com Updated July 26, 2026 12:47 PM Gift Article July 25 (Asia Today) - Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung unveiled a strategy to transform the South Korean automaker into a physical artificial intelligence company spanning autonomous vehicles, robotics, AI factories and connected urban infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group said Chung presented the company's physical AI vision Friday at the San Francisco AI Summit, which was attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. About 150 South Korean business executives, U.S. technology industry leaders, startup representatives and students attended the event. "Hyundai Motor Group is evolving beyond the traditional boundaries of automotive manufacturing to become a physical AI solution company," Chung said. The company's strategy begins with adding intelligence to individual devices such as vehicles and robots. It then expands to intelligent spaces, including factories in which AI connects production, logistics and quality-control systems. The final stage would integrate energy, mobility, robotics and other urban infrastructure into connected systems that can be monitored and optimized in real time. "The ultimate physical AI vision Hyundai Motor Group pursues begins with intelligent devices such as vehicles and robots, expands to intelligent spaces such as AI factories and ultimately realizes integrated intelligence at the city level," Chung said. Hyundai identified its manufacturing experience, robotics technology and data collection systems as the foundation of the strategy. The group said data gathered from factories, vehicles, logistics operations and robot testing would be used to improve AI models. Updated algorithms would then be returned to operating sites, creating what the company described as a "data flywheel." Hyundai's robotics portfolio includes Boston Dynamics' four-legged Spot robot and Stretch logistics robot as well as the MobED mobile platform developed by Hyundai Motor Group's Robotics LAB. The group also plans to develop Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid as a central component of its physical AI business. Hyundai expects Atlas robots eventually to work alongside people in manufacturing, logistics and mobility operations. Hyundai said partnerships with global technology companies would help accelerate the transition. The group is working with Nvidia on AI infrastructure, manufacturing digital twins and autonomous-driving technology. The companies previously announced plans to use 50,000 Nvidia Blackwell graphics processing units for AI model training, validation and deployment. Hyundai plans to use Nvidia platforms to create virtual replicas of manufacturing facilities, allowing engineers to design production processes and optimize factory operations before applying changes at physical sites. The two companies also plan to combine Nvidia's automotive processors, sensors and autonomous-driving architecture with Hyundai vehicle platforms. Hyundai and Nvidia will jointly develop a robot reference platform for South Korean universities, research institutes and startups. The initiative will provide standardized robot hardware and software environments for physical AI research and testing. "The strengths Hyundai Motor Group has in manufacturing capabilities, robotics technology and data can be combined with the strengths of big technology companies to create a new innovation ecosystem for the physical AI era," Chung said. Hyundai will also continue its partnership with Waymo. The companies entered a strategic partnership in 2024 under which Hyundai will supply specially modified IONIQ 5 electric vehicles for Waymo's autonomous-driving fleet. The vehicles will be manufactured at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia. They will include redundant steering, braking and electrical systems as well as specialized functional safety and cybersecurity features. Boston Dynamics is separately working with Google DeepMind to improve AI models and training systems for humanoid robots. The companies aim to enable robots to perform complex tasks and work alongside people in real-world environments. Hyundai plans to establish a production system capable of manufacturing 30,000 robots annually in the United States by 2028. Development versions of the next-generation electric Atlas humanoid will first be deployed at manufacturing sites, including the Georgia plant. The group said deployment would expand gradually after testing and verification. Hyundai is also investing in physical AI hubs in South Korea. The company is investing about 9 trillion won ($5.97 billion) in the Saemangeum AI Valley in North Jeolla Province. The project will include AI data centers, a robot manufacturing cluster, water electrolysis facilities and infrastructure for an AI-powered hydrogen city. The robot cluster will manufacture Hyundai robots and provide contract production services for smaller companies that lack large-scale manufacturing capacity. Hyundai also plans to invest 42 trillion won ($27.84 billion) over the next decade in South Korea's southeastern Yeongnam region. The investment will support AI-based manufacturing hubs, aerospace industries and sustainable energy infrastructure. Hyundai said the projects would help secure the data, energy, robot production and testing capacity required for physical AI while strengthening South Korea's industrial competitiveness, creating jobs and supporting balanced regional development. - Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI (C) Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited. This story was originally published July 26, 2026 at 12:37 PM.
Samsung establishes robotics unit reporting to CEO, plans 19 trillion won Gumi investment. 2026-07-25 16:13:26 According to Mirae Asset Securities, Samsung Electronics established the RX (Robotics eXperience) business unit reporting directly to CEO Roh Tae-moon on July 21, signaling a shift from research and development to commercialization of humanoid robots. The move consolidates previously scattered robotics strategies and capabilities into one organization, with former Boston Dynamics strategist Lee Dong-gun serving as robotics strategy team head. Samsung plans to invest 19 trillion won in Gumi for humanoid production and a robot data factory, while Samsung SDI and Samsung Heavy Industries will invest an additional 41 trillion won in battery production and autonomous shipyards, bringing total group investment to approximately 60 trillion won. Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third-party sources and is for reference only. It does not represent the views or opinions of Gate and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Virtual asset trading involves high risk. Please do not rely solely on the information on this page when making decisions. For details, see the Disclaimer. In-Depth Analysis
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung announces Physical AI Vision at San Francisco AI Summit. Published: July 25, 2026 - 16:20:10 SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) Executive Chair Euisun Chung today outlined the Group's vision and strategy for Physical AI at the San Francisco AI Summit held in San Francisco, California. The event brought together approximately 150 attendees, including Executive Chair Chung, business leaders from major Korean companies, executives from leading U.S. technology firms, startup representatives and students. At the summit, Executive Chair Chung presented the Group's roadmap for advancing Physical AI and outlined strategic collaboration plans with global technology leaders. "Hyundai Motor Group is evolving beyond the traditional boundaries of automotive manufacturing by expanding into autonomous driving, robotics and AI Defined Factories, accelerating our transformation into a Physical AI solution company." - Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Accelerating the Transition to a Physical AI Solution Company Hyundai Motor Group's Physical AI vision extends beyond intelligent devices such as vehicles and robots to intelligent spaces, including AI factories where AI seamlessly connects and optimizes entire operations. Ultimately, the Group envisions integrated intelligence at the city level, where urban infrastructure is organically connected and operated through AI. A key differentiator for the Group is its ability to create a data flywheel that continuously connects real-world operations with AI advancement. Drawing on extensive experience in large-scale manufacturing, mobility, robotics and service operations, the Group is positioned to deploy, refine and scale Physical AI technologies in real industrial environments. Executive Chair Chung also outlined strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, including NVIDIA and Waymo, as well as Boston Dynamics' strategic partnership with Google DeepMind, to further advance Physical AI capabilities. By combining Hyundai Motor Group's manufacturing competitiveness, mobility and robotics technologies and extensive operational data with the AI infrastructure and algorithm capabilities of global technology leaders, the Group aims to help foster a new innovation ecosystem for the Physical AI era. Executive Chair Chung also introduced initiatives designed to support the growth of Korea's robotics and AI ecosystem, including the development of a Robot Reference Platform with NVIDIA that combines Hyundai Motor Group's and NVIDIA's Physical AI capabilities, as well as investments in initiatives such as the Saemangeum AI Valley. Physical AI Vision: From Intelligent Devices to Integrated Intelligence at the City Level During the summit, Executive Chair Chung presented Hyundai Motor Group's Physical AI vision. "The ultimate Physical AI vision Hyundai Motor Group pursues begins with intelligent devices such as vehicles and robots, expands to intelligent spaces such as AI factories, and ultimately realizes integrated intelligence at the city level, where urban infrastructure is seamlessly connected and operated." - Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung The Group's vision begins with intelligent devices, where AI capabilities enhance vehicles and robots. It then expands to intelligent spaces, including AI factories where AI autonomously integrates logistics, production and quality management across entire operations. Ultimately, Hyundai Motor Group envisions city-level intelligence, where critical infrastructure and assets - including energy, mobility and robotics systems - are connected and optimized in real time. Executive Chair Chung also highlighted the Group's key strengths in realizing its Physical AI vision: Accelerating the Future of Physical AI Through Partnerships with Global Tech Leaders Executive Chair Chung also outlined concrete initiatives to position Hyundai Motor Group as a leader in human-centered Physical AI through strategic collaborations with NVIDIA and Waymo, as well as Boston Dynamics' strategic partnership with Google DeepMind. "By combining Hyundai Motor Group's strengths in manufacturing, robotics and data with the capabilities of global technology leaders, we can help create a new innovation ecosystem for the Physical AI era." - Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Hyundai Motor Group is expanding collaboration with NVIDIA to strengthen Physical AI infrastructure and cultivate AI talent. Building on a supply agreement for 50,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs and a memorandum of understanding signed last year to advance Korea's Physical AI capabilities, the Group is pursuing a range of initiatives, including the establishment of Hyundai Motor Group Robot Application Center, as well as various collaborations aimed at strengthening Korea's Physical AI infrastructure and AI talent ecosystem, including the NVIDIA's AI Technology Center. In manufacturing, the Group is leveraging NVIDIA's platform to create more sophisticated digital twins of production facilities, enhancing process design, operational optimization and validation efficiency. The collaboration also includes the integration of NVIDIA's autonomous driving solutions, including automotive semiconductors, sensors and architecture, with Hyundai Motor Group vehicle platforms. Hyundai Motor Group continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with Waymo in the autonomous driving sector to support the development of a safe and innovative autonomous driving ecosystem. Autonomous driving vehicles require a wide range of specialized capabilities, including redundant systems for steering, braking, power and communications, dedicated features such as power-operated doors, as well as enhanced functional safety and cybersecurity technologies. Hyundai Motor Group plans to produce IONIQ 5 vehicles with specific autonomous-ready modifications at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia. Boston Dynamics has established a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind to accelerate the development of next-generation humanoid robots. Advanced AI models and training systems are essential for robots to perform complex tasks in real-world environments and collaborate effectively with people. Through this partnership, Boston Dynamics robots are expected to achieve greater autonomy and adapt more effectively to complex operating environments. Hyundai Motor Group plans to establish a robot production facility in the U.S. with an annual capacity of up to 30,000 units by 2028. The Atlas humanoid robot will first be deployed at production facilities including HMGMA before broader deployment is expanded through phased validation. Building an Open Ecosystem Through the Robot Reference Platform and Continued Investment in Korea's Physical AI Future Executive Chair Chung also outlined initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of Korea's Physical AI ecosystem through open collaboration and continued investment. "The outcomes of collaboration with global technology leaders should contribute to the growth of Korea's Physical AI industry. To that end, Hyundai Motor Group plans to foster an open ecosystem that supports innovation in robotics and AI technologies." - Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Key initiatives to build an open ecosystem for robotics and AI innovation include: Hyundai Motor Group is also continuing large-scale investments aimed at driving the next leap forward in Korea's industrial and technology ecosystem. Continued investments in Korea's industrial and technology ecosystem include: Through these initiatives, Hyundai Motor Group aims to strengthen key foundations for the Physical AI era, including data and energy infrastructure, robotics production capabilities and real-world validation capabilities. The Group also expects these investments to contribute to enhanced industrial competitiveness, balanced regional development, job creation and broader economic vitality in Korea. About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication, and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
Hyundai moves to acquire 100% of Boston Dynamics. News Story - 23 Jul 2026 (#1291) - Seoul, Korea, Republic Of Thank you for visiting Forkliftaction News! This is Article 1 OF 2 South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group has made a move to acquire SoftBank Group's 10% stake in Massachusetts-based humanoid and robotics developer Boston Dynamics, as it seeks full ownership of the business. The transaction has been estimated by financial media as being worth around USD325 million and is subject to Hyundai's internal governance and approval processes. Hyundai currently owns a 90% shareholding in Boston Dynamics. "As part of its long-term robotics strategy, Hyundai Motor Group had been evaluating opportunities to increase its ownership in Boston Dynamics with the aim of further strengthening its robotics capabilities and collaboration with Boston Dynamics," the group states. "The contemplated transaction is expected to further support collaboration across Hyundai Motor Group's robotics-related businesses and enhance the Group's ability to execute its long-term robotics strategy. "Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics will continue working together to strengthen competitiveness in robotics and advance the development of AI-powered robotics technologies and related ecosystems." Hyundai Motor Group is currently building an end-to-end (E2E) AI robotics value chain which it says, combines Boston Dynamics' expertise in AI Robotics with its manufacturing capabilities, mobility technologies and global value chain. "Through this integrated approach, the group aims to accelerate the development, validation and commercialisation of Physical AI technologies and robotics solutions," Hyundai continues. The motor group says recent demonstrations of Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot have highlighted progress in mobility, whole-body coordination and object manipulation, including the delivery of the ceremonial match ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 match and the lifting and transport of a 23kg compact refrigerator. Hyundai Motor Group says it plans to deploy Atlas at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) from 2028, initially supporting parts sequencing tasks as part of its human-centric smart factory innovation initiatives. "Subject to continued technology validation, operational readiness and business requirements, Atlas is expected to support an expanded range of manufacturing processes, with its application extending to component assembly by 2030," Hyundai adds.