Hyundai Motor brings in Tesla veteran to accelerate robotics ambitions

SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group has recruited Milan Kovac, a former Tesla executive who led development of projects including the humanoid robot Optimus, in a move aimed at strengthening its push for artificial intelligence and robotics.

Hyundai said Kovac has been appointed as an adviser to the group and is expected to be named an outside director at Boston Dynamics, a robotics company owned by Hyundai Motor Group.

Kovac brings nearly two decades of experience spanning software, hardware and AI-driven robotics systems, the company said.

Most recently at Tesla, he oversaw development of the Optimus humanoid robot and a camera-based, vision-centered autonomous-driving system, playing a key role in the firm's push toward AI-centric mobility and automation.

Hyundai said the appointment is intended to accelerate AI-based robotics innovation at Boston Dynamics and to advance the group’s mid- to long-term strategy and commercialization plans for its robot portfolio, which includes Spot, Stretch and Atlas.

In his advisory role, Kovac will provide guidance on AI and engineering strategy and explore how advanced robotics technologies can be applied across Hyundai Motor Group’s industrial footprint, including manufacturing, logistics and service operations, the company said.

“Boston Dynamics is a core company in the robotics ecosystem and an iconic organization that has inspired countless engineers,” Kovac said in a press release. “Combined with Hyundai Motor Group’s strong industrial base, it has a unique competitive advantage to lead the robotics industry, and I look forward to the journey of innovation.”