LG Innotek partnered with Boston Dynamics, a global frontrunner in robotics, to develop advanced vision sensing systems for the humanoid robot Atlas. The collaboration aims to create a sophisticated “eye” module to enhance the robot’s visual capabilities, marking a significant step forward in robotics innovation.
The agreement, announced on May 12, 2025, highlights LG Innotek’s strategic push into the robotics components market, expanding beyond its traditional focus on automotive parts. By teaming up with Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, LG Innotek hopes to strengthen its position in the competitive robotics industry and explore new growth opportunities in emerging technologies.
As part of the agreement, LG Innotek will lead the development of a compact vision sensing module, integrating RGB cameras and 3D sensors to function as the visual system of Boston Dynamics’ next-generation Atlas robot. This technology will allow Atlas to perceive its surroundings accurately, even in low light or harsh weather conditions. Boston Dynamics will develop the software to process the visual data captured by the module, enhancing the robot’s ability to navigate complex environments.
The collaboration marks LG Innotek’s first direct move into robotics hardware development. While the company previously explored the sector through strategic investments, including a funding round in the U.S.-based startup Figure AI in early 2024, this partnership takes a more hands-on approach.
CEO Moon Hyuk-soo emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating that partnering with a global robotics leader like Boston Dynamics will strengthen LG Innotek’s presence in the robotics market. He added that the company aims to introduce key components that shape the robotics era and deliver distinct customer value through innovation.
LG Innotek plans to utilize its experience in optical technologies, which has been built through years of developing camera modules for smartphones and autonomous vehicles. The company showcased its capabilities in this area by introducing its Sensor Pod at CES 2023, a device combining multiple sensing functions into a single unit for self-driving cars. A similar concept is being applied to the new robot vision module.
The partnership between LG Innotek and Boston Dynamics also highlights the growing collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Group, aiming to boost synergy across future mobility and robotics technologies. LG Innotek already supplies automotive components to Hyundai, and this new venture could strengthen their ties in developing intelligent machines.
To increase its footprint in robotics, LG Innotek has taken strategic steps such as investing in U.S.-based Figure AI during its $675 million funding round and signing a research agreement with KAIST focused on future robotic technologies.
Boston Dynamics, now a Hyundai Motor Group company, recently introduced an all-electric version of its humanoid robot Atlas, signaling a shift toward real-world applications. With LG Innotek supplying next-gen vision systems for this model, the collaboration may serve as a blueprint for deeper integration of South Korean innovation in global robotics development.
