Hyundai Motor showcased Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot Atlas at the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show on July 6 (local time), where the robot delivered game equipment to the referee during the 16th round match. The performance was part of Hyundai's global brand campaign 'Next Starts Now,' demonstrating advanced robotics technology to global soccer fans. Atlas is a next-generation electric development model first unveiled at CES 2026 in January, designed to perform complex movements in variable stadium environments.
Atlas Performs Player Celebrations and Equipment Delivery
Atlas appeared from the player entrance tunnel just before halftime ended and performed celebrations of world-renowned soccer players including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Matheus Cunha, and Son Heung-min. The robot then delivered game equipment to the referee with precise movements, signaling the start of the second half.
Development Model Features Advanced Mobility Capabilities
The Atlas model demonstrated at the World Cup is a next-generation electric Atlas development model, first revealed at CES 2026 in January. Boston Dynamics initially showcased various movements of the research model before presenting the physical design of the development model. The development model performed complex movements stably in the variable stadium environment, demonstrating the potential applications of Hyundai Motor Group's future robotics technology.
Retargeting Technology and Reinforcement Learning Enable Complex Movements
The performance incorporated retargeting technology that reconstructs human movements to fit the robot's body structure, reinforcement learning based on thousands of simulations, and whole-body control technology that enables all joints to respond as a single system. These technologies allowed Atlas to execute the player celebrations and equipment delivery with precision.
Hyundai to Release BBC Co-Produced Branded Film on July 7
Hyundai Motor plans to release a branded film titled 'The Training Ground,' co-produced with BBC, on July 7. The film will reveal the technical challenges Atlas faced during the preparation process for the World Cup performance.
FAQ
What did Atlas do at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Atlas delivered game equipment to the referee during the 16th round halftime on July 6 (local time) and performed celebrations of world-renowned soccer players including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Matheus Cunha, and Son Heung-min.
What technologies enabled Atlas to perform at the World Cup?
The performance used retargeting technology to reconstruct human movements for the robot's body structure, reinforcement learning based on thousands of simulations, and whole-body control technology that enables all joints to respond as a single system.
When was the Atlas development model first revealed?
The next-generation electric Atlas development model was first unveiled at CES 2026 in January, where Boston Dynamics showcased the research model's movements and the development model's physical design.
