Hyundai Motor Group announced the launch of Boston Dynamics AI Institute (the Institute), which will work toward making strides in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and intelligent machines. The Institute will focus on research related to solutions for the challenges faced in the creation of advanced robots and the need for advanced capabilities and uses. The Institute will combine the university research lab model with the corporate development lab model focused on four technical areas: cognitive AI, athletic AI, organic hardware design, and ethics and policy.

The mission of the Institute is to create robots and intelligent machines that are smarter, more perceptive, and safer than any of the AI technology that exists today. It hopes to build new robots that are more user-friendly, more productive, more versatile (i.e., can perform more tasks), and are safer when working with people. Additionally, while the Institute will develop technology through its own staff, it also will partner with universities and corporate research labs to expand the depth of its research and capabilities. The Institute will be headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and intends onto engage many new AI and robotics researchers, software and hardware engineers, and technicians at varying levels.