Hyundai invests in AI, robotics and hydrogen infrastructure
AI data centre, hydrogen facilities and robot hub will embed intelligence into vehicles and humanoid machines, signalling Hyundai’s shift to an AI-driven robotics model.
Hyundai will invest 9 trillion won ($6.3B) to build an AI data centre, robot hub, and hydrogen plant in Saemangeum. The project is part of Hyundai’s 125.2 trillion won domestic investment plan through 2030. Shares surged 10.7% following the announcement.
The AI data centre, costing 5.8 trillion won and due in 2029, will host up to 50,000 GPUs to process data from Hyundai’s automotive, steel, logistics, and defence units. The facility enables ‘physical AI,’ adding intelligence to vehicles and robots, not just software.
Hyundai will invest 400 billion won in a robot manufacturing complex with a capacity of 30,000 units annually. The fully automated facility integrates assembly, parts production, and logistics.
Robotics is central to Hyundai’s shift from automaker to AI platform operator, building on innovations such as the Atlas humanoid robot.
The plan includes a 200-megawatt hydrogen plant powered by solar energy, gigawatt-scale solar generation, and a pilot AI Hydrogen City zone. Hyundai estimates 16 trillion won in economic impact and 71,000 jobs.
President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the project as key to South Korea’s AI, robotics, and clean energy ambitions, promising regulatory support.
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