Hyundai Motor Group is bringing former Tesla robotics executive Milan Kovac into its humanoid ambitions, naming him a group adviser and moving to add him as a non-executive director at its US-based robotics arm Boston Dynamics.
Kovac brings close to two decades of experience across software, hardware and AI-driven robotics.
He had spent almost a decade at Tesla, where he had joined the Autopilot effort, later helping to steer the company’s camera-first, vision-based approach to automated driving, and took charge of the Optimus humanoid robot programme.
He left Tesla in June 2025, citing personal reasons tied to family abroad. He is a Bel;gian.
Hyundai said Kovac would advise on AI and engineering priorities, with a focus on applying advanced robotics in manufacturing, logistics and service operations.
At Boston Dynamics, he is expected to join strategic discussions around core products such as the Spot quadruped, the Stretch logistics robot and the Atlas humanoid.
“Boston Dynamics is a core company in the robotics ecosystem and an iconic organisation,” said Kovac. A Hyundai Motor Group official described him as “a globally recognised innovator and leader in AI and robotics”.
The appointment comes as Hyundai tries to industrialise Atlas, not just show it.
The group said it plans to deploy the electric Atlas at Hyundai’s US plant in Georgia, and targets an annual production capacity of up to 30,000 units by 2028.
Hyundai also said it is working with Google DeepMind to strengthen AI capabilities for Boston Dynamics robots.
Separately, Hyundai has appointed Park Min-woo to lead its autonomous driving unit, 42dot, after former chief executive Song Chang-hyun stepped down. Park, a former Nvidia executive, would also take charge of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform division.
