How to Watch Hyundai's CES 2026 Press Conference Live [2026]

If you've been paying attention to the tech world this week, you know that CES 2026 is turning into something different than previous years. Sure, the flashy car reveals are still happening, but the real action is shifting toward robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. That's exactly where Hyundai is placing its bets this year.

The Korean automotive giant didn't arrive at Las Vegas with a fleet of shiny new electric vehicles or concept cars dominating the conversation. Instead, they're making a bold strategic pivot. While their Mobis subsidiary is showcasing more than 30 mobility convergence technologies throughout the week, Hyundai's main press conference spotlight is dedicated entirely to something far more ambitious: their AI Robotics Strategy.

This is a significant moment. The company owns Boston Dynamics, the robotics company that's been pushing the boundaries of what's possible in humanoid and quadrupedal robotics for years. Now, they're bringing their next-generation Atlas robot to the stage, alongside their Mob ED robot line. These aren't incremental updates or minor refinements. We're talking about robots designed to reshape manufacturing, logistics, and human-robot collaboration across industries.

The shift reveals something important about where the automotive industry is heading. With EV incentives getting yanked by policy changes and consumer interest shifting, traditional vehicle launches feel almost dated. The future, as Hyundai sees it, is in building intelligent machines that can work alongside humans. That's the story they're telling at CES 2026.

But here's what matters to you right now: If you want to see what Hyundai's been working on, you need to know exactly when and where to tune in. Let me walk you through everything.

When and Where to Watch Hyundai's CES 2026 Presentation

Hyundai's press conference happens on January 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. That's 1:00 PM Pacific Time if you're watching from the West Coast, or 9:00 PM GMT if you're following along from Europe. The timing works well if you're already tracking other CES announcements throughout the day.

The company is streaming the event live on two YouTube channels simultaneously. Your first option is the Hyundai USA YouTube channel, which focuses on their North American operations and audience. This is the channel to watch if you want commentary tailored toward the US market and follow-up content specifically for American consumers.

Your second option is Hyundai's global YouTube channel. This streams the exact same presentation but with a broader international audience in mind. Either channel works fine, but the global feed means you might catch discussions relevant to worldwide markets and international robotics applications.

If YouTube livestreams aren't your thing, Hyundai will be posting the full presentation to both channels afterward. You can catch the replay anytime that day or in the days following. The replay quality is typically excellent, and you won't miss any details by watching it later.

One more thing worth knowing: CES 2026 is running a comprehensive liveblog covering all major announcements. Hyundai's presentation will get coverage there in real time, so you can follow along even if you can't watch the full stream. That gives you flexibility. If you're working or dealing with time zone issues, you've got multiple ways to stay informed.

Hyundai's focus at CES 2026 is predominantly on robotics, reflecting a strategic shift due to market conditions and policy changes. Estimated data.

Understanding Hyundai's AI Robotics Strategy

The theme of Hyundai's presentation is "Partnering Human Progress." That's not just marketing language. It actually captures what the company is trying to accomplish with their robotics division.

For years, robotics development focused on one extreme or the other: fully autonomous robots doing everything independently, or robots that were purely remote-controlled tools. Hyundai's approach is different. They're building robots designed to work alongside humans in real-world environments. These aren't replacements for human workers. They're collaborators.

During the presentation, Hyundai will outline its complete strategy for commercializing AI-enhanced robotics. This includes everything from how they plan to manufacture these robots at scale to how they'll integrate them into existing factories and workplaces. They're not just showing off cool technology. They're laying out a business strategy.

The commercialization angle matters because it changes everything. Boston Dynamics, which Hyundai acquired back in 2020, has been developing incredible robots for years. But getting from "that's impressive" to "companies are actually buying and using these" is a completely different challenge. It requires thinking about cost, reliability, training, safety, integration, and maintenance.

Hyundai's also discussing their Group Value Network approach and Software-Defined Factory strategy. These sound like corporate jargon, but they represent something real: how to design manufacturing processes that can work with AI robots. It's not just about having robots. It's about rethinking how factories operate when you have intelligent machines on the floor.

The manufacturing strategy they're unveiling apparently includes plans for advanced smart factories. These facilities would use AI robots for dangerous, repetitive, or precision tasks, with human workers handling supervision, problem-solving, and tasks requiring creativity or emotional intelligence. It's a hybrid model.

Industrial robotics is projected to hold the largest share of the global robotics market, highlighting Hyundai's strategic focus. Estimated data based on market trends.

Meet the New Atlas Robot

The star of Hyundai's presentation will be the next-generation Atlas robot. This is the first public reveal, so people haven't seen this version before. In the teaser imagery Hyundai released, Atlas looks distinctly dog-like. That's actually meaningful.

Boston Dynamics spent years perfecting a humanoid Atlas design. The robot could walk upright, climb stairs, perform parkour moves, and manipulate objects with impressive dexterity. It was incredible to watch, but there's a practical limitation: humanoid robots are complex to build and require constant balance adjustments. They're also somewhat fragile because humans can only handle so much weight toppling over.

A quadrupedal design changes the equation. Four legs mean inherent stability. The robot doesn't need to constantly adjust balance like a human standing upright. It can handle rougher terrain. It's potentially more robust in industrial environments where the ground might not be perfectly flat.

The new Atlas apparently represents what Hyundai calls "a tangible step toward the commercialization of AI Robotics." That language is important. They're not claiming this robot is already being mass-produced or deployed everywhere. They're saying this is the design that makes commercialization actually possible.

We don't have detailed specs yet on the new Atlas, but based on Boston Dynamics' track record, expect a robot that can navigate real-world environments with sophisticated obstacle avoidance, handle various terrains, and perform manipulation tasks with precision. The AI component means the robot can learn and adapt to new situations rather than just executing pre-programmed movements.

How is the robot powered? What's the battery life? How fast can it move? Those are the details people will be eager to hear during the presentation. The answers determine whether this robot makes sense for factory floors, warehouses, construction sites, or disaster response situations.

The Mob ED Droid and Wheeled Robotics Platform

While Atlas will probably get most of the attention, Hyundai's also highlighting the Mob ED robot line. This is a different approach to robotics altogether. Instead of trying to build a quadrupedal machine that resembles an animal, Mob ED uses wheels.

Mob ED actually received a CES 2026 Innovation Award when the show opened this week. That's not a small thing. CES Innovation Awards go through formal judging processes and recognize genuine advances in technology. The fact that this wheeled robot platform earned that recognition suggests it's genuinely innovative.

Wheeled robots have different strengths than legged robots. Wheels are more efficient on flat, prepared surfaces like factory floors or warehouse spaces. Wheels can move faster and require less energy than legs. Wheels also mean simpler mechanical design, which translates to lower costs and higher reliability.

The Mob ED platform appears designed specifically for manufacturing and logistics environments. These are places where the ground is relatively controlled. You're not trying to navigate mountains or collapsed buildings. You need a robot that can reliably move materials, handle repetitive tasks, or assist workers in specific environments.

During the presentation, Hyundai will discuss how Mob ED fits into their broader robotics strategy. The company likely sees different robots for different purposes. Atlas might handle unstructured environments where adaptability matters. Mob ED focuses on optimizing specific industrial tasks.

One thing that's interesting about Hyundai highlighting the Mob ED award alongside the new Atlas is what it says about their strategy. They're not betting everything on one robot design. They're building a portfolio of robotics solutions. That's actually more realistic for commercialization. Different industries have different needs.

Estimated data showcasing potential capabilities of Hyundai's Atlas robot, including carrying capacity, speed, and battery range.

What Hyundai Won't Be Showing (And Why That Matters)

There's an important clarification worth understanding. Originally, people thought Hyundai's Holographic Windshield Display would be part of the main press conference. This display technology is genuinely cool—it projects information directly onto windshields using holographic techniques rather than traditional head-up displays.

But Hyundai's team clarified that the Holographic Windshield Display won't be featured during the press conference. The company will still showcase this technology somewhere on the CES floor, but it won't be part of the main stage presentation.

Why does that matter? It tells you something about Hyundai's priorities at this particular show. Robotics is the story they want to tell. The windshield display is interesting, but it's not central to their CES 2026 narrative. By making that distinction clear, Hyundai's essentially saying: "This is what we're focusing on right now."

That kind of strategic clarity is actually valuable. It helps the tech media, investors, and industry analysts understand what Hyundai sees as the future. Not everything they're working on gets equal emphasis. Robotics is where the real momentum is.

The Broader CES 2026 Automotive Context

To understand why Hyundai's approach stands out, you need to grasp what's happening with cars at CES 2026 more broadly. The energy feels different than previous years.

Electric vehicles aren't disappearing from the show, obviously. The Sony-Honda Afeela joint venture is returning with their sleek autonomous EV. Other manufacturers are still introducing new models and technology. But the full-court press of EV launches and major vehicle reveals? That's noticeably muted compared to recent years.

The policy environment shifted significantly. The Trump administration eliminated or drastically reduced EV purchase incentives that had been a major driver of consumer adoption. That changes the entire market dynamic. When the government stops subsidizing EVs, suddenly those expensive battery costs hit consumers directly. Demand softens. Launch cycles get reconsidered.

Automakers are responding to that reality. Hyundai could have brought a new EV concept or announced aggressive new models. Instead, they're pivoting to robotics. That's partly a pragmatic response to market conditions, but it's also strategic vision.

Hyundai owns Boston Dynamics. They have world-class engineering talent. They're thinking longer-term than the next quarterly sales report. That means investing in robotics technology that could reshape manufacturing across industries, not just automotive.

By focusing on AI and robotics, Hyundai's also hedging their bets. The automotive future remains uncertain with policy changes and consumer preferences shifting. But robotics? That's becoming essential across industries. Manufacturing needs it. Logistics needs it. Construction needs it. Healthcare needs it. That's a bigger market than just cars.

Robotics and AI integration are gaining traction at CES 2026, with a combined focus of 45%, reflecting a shift from traditional EV launches. (Estimated data)

Why Hyundai's Robotics Investment Matters

You might wonder why Hyundai, a company built on making cars, is suddenly making such a big push into robotics. The answer has several layers.

First, there's the Boston Dynamics acquisition itself. Hyundai paid a significant amount to acquire Boston Dynamics from Alphabet back in 2020. That wasn't a casual purchase. It was a deliberate decision to own cutting-edge robotics IP and talent. For five years now, Hyundai's been developing this technology alongside their automotive business. CES 2026 is when they're ready to start commercializing.

Second, automation is transforming manufacturing globally. Hyundai makes cars, which requires enormous manufacturing infrastructure. As robotics become more capable and affordable, using robots in factories becomes economically sensible. By developing robotics solutions themselves, Hyundai creates competitive advantage. They understand manufacturing challenges better than pure robotics companies.

Third, there's the talent and mindset shift. Working on robotics attracts different engineers and researchers than pure automotive work. It opens doors to new markets and partnerships. It positions Hyundai not just as a car company but as a technology and manufacturing innovator.

Fourth, the robotics market is genuinely huge. Estimates for the global robotics market in coming years range from $100+ billion annually. That's bigger than electric vehicles. If Hyundai can establish strong market position in industrial robotics, it's a massive growth opportunity.

Live Streaming Technical Setup and Requirements

If you're planning to watch the livestream, here's what you need to know technically.

YouTube livestreams are generally very reliable, but you'll want decent internet bandwidth. Full HD (1080p) streaming typically requires about 2.5-3 Mbps of bandwidth. If you have a slower connection, you can manually select lower resolution (720p or 480p) to reduce buffering.

On the Hyundai USA YouTube channel, look for the livestream starting around 3:55 PM ET. YouTube typically shows a countdown timer and lets you set a reminder notification. If you enable notifications, you'll get a ping when the stream goes live.

If you're on mobile, the YouTube app usually handles livestreams very smoothly. On desktop, you can watch in full-screen or in a window. Most people prefer full-screen for these kinds of presentations so you can actually see the robots and details clearly.

One thing worth noting: YouTube sometimes has slight delays in the livestream. If you're watching and simultaneously checking social media or other live commentary, you might see spoilers about what's happening moments before you see it on the stream. That's just how live streaming works. The technical delay is usually only a few seconds, but it's worth being aware.

If the livestream has any technical issues (unlikely, but it happens), YouTube usually redirects people to a channel or provides an alternative feed. Hyundai's team will also likely be monitoring things and can provide updates if needed.

Estimated data suggests that most viewers will watch live on HyundaiUSA's YouTube channel, followed by the global channel. The CES liveblog and replay options are less popular but provide flexibility for viewers.

What Other Major Automotive Players Are Doing at CES 2026

To put Hyundai's robotics focus in perspective, it's worth seeing what competitors are doing.

Sony and Honda's joint venture brought their Afeela autonomous electric vehicle back to CES. This is a gorgeous sedan designed to be the flagship of their autonomous driving and electric vehicle strategy. It's sleek, it's the kind of car that turns heads. In previous years, this would be the marquee automotive announcement. Now it's happening alongside multiple other major reveals.

Tesla isn't traditionally a CES player, but the autonomous and AI space Hyundai's entering is something Tesla's also been working on intensively. The competition in robotics and autonomous systems is global and fierce.

Traditional automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen are all exploring robotics and manufacturing innovation in parallel. None of them want to fall behind as the industry transforms.

What makes Hyundai's approach distinctive is the public commitment. They're not quietly developing this stuff in labs. They're coming to the world's biggest consumer tech show and saying "Look at what we're building. This is our future." That kind of transparency and confidence signals they believe they have something special.

The Mobis Subsidiary's Separate Showcase

While the main press conference focuses on AI robots, it's worth noting that Hyundai's Mobis subsidiary has its own CES presence with more than 30 mobility convergence technologies on display.

Mobis is Hyundai's components and parts division. They make everything from batteries and electrical systems to chassis and suspension components. As vehicles become more electrified and autonomous, these components become more critical. A smart battery management system, for example, becomes more important than a traditional engine.

The Holographic Windshield Display is one of the Mobis technologies. This is display tech that projects information directly onto windshields, creating augmented reality interfaces for drivers without requiring them to look away from the road. It's genuinely innovative stuff.

But Mobis is keeping a lower profile at CES 2026 compared to the main robotics presentation. That tells you where Hyundai's pressing for media attention and analyst focus. Robotics is the flagship narrative.

Preparing for the Technical Deep Dives

When Hyundai's presentation happens, expect a mix of content. There will be glossy marketing videos showing the robots in action. There will be live demonstrations on stage if the company is feeling confident about reliability (and they probably are). There will be executives explaining the strategy and vision.

You'll probably hear about specific technical capabilities. How many kilograms can Atlas carry? How fast can it move? What's the range on battery charge? How does the AI training work? These are the questions engineers and serious tech watchers care about.

You'll also hear about commercialization timelines. When can companies actually buy these robots? What's the pricing? What kind of support and training does Hyundai provide? These questions matter to potential customers.

Expect discussion of applications. What specific industries and use cases is Hyundai targeting first? Manufacturing is obvious, but logistics, healthcare, construction, and disaster response all have robot needs. Where does Hyundai see their earliest commercial traction?

The presentation will probably include partnership announcements. Hyundai might announce collaborations with specific companies or institutions. These partnerships help validate the technology and show that major organizations are interested.

The Bigger Picture of Robotics at CES 2026

Hyundai isn't alone in the robotics focus at CES 2026. Across the show, robotics is a dominant theme. It's the clear successor to the massive EV focus of the past several years.

This shift makes sense because robotics impacts more industries and more people than EVs do. Every company that manufactures anything, moves anything, or provides services is potentially affected by robotics and automation. That's basically every business on Earth.

The AI component is crucial. These aren't just mechanical robots following simple pre-programmed instructions. They're learning machines that adapt to new situations, become more efficient over time, and can work alongside humans safely. That's a different category of technology entirely.

The challenge robotics companies face now is going from "impressive demos" to "actual commercial deployment." Hyundai's presentation is partly about showing they're solving that challenge. They have the engineering capability, the manufacturing expertise, the financial resources, and a clear commercialization strategy.

Making the Most of the Presentation

If you're genuinely interested in robotics, manufacturing, or Hyundai specifically, here's how to get maximum value from watching the presentation.

First, watch live if possible. Live presentations always reveal things that aren't in press releases. The executives might answer questions that hint at timelines or strategies. The demos might show unexpected capabilities or limitations. There's always unscripted moments that make it worth experiencing in real time.

Second, take notes on the specific robots and capabilities shown. Don't just enjoy the spectacle. Write down technical specs, announced timelines, partnership details, and strategic directions. That's the information that actually matters.

Third, compare what Hyundai announces to what Boston Dynamics has been working on previously. What's new? What capabilities have been added? What's been simplified for commercialization? Those contrasts tell you a lot about what the company priorities are.

Fourth, think about the business implications. Where will these robots have the most immediate impact? Which industries adopt robotics first? What are the bottlenecks to faster adoption? These are questions that matter if you work in manufacturing, logistics, or related fields.

Finally, pay attention to the tone and messaging. How confident is the executive team? How concrete are the timelines and plans? How much of this is still research versus actually ready for market? The way information is presented reveals a lot about how real the commercialization push actually is.

Expected Industry Reaction and Follow-Up

Once Hyundai's presentation finishes, expect immediate reactions from tech media, automotive analysts, manufacturing experts, and robotics specialists. Everyone will be analyzing what was shown and announced.

The reactions will probably fall into a few categories. Some people will be impressed by the technological progress and see this as a major step forward for robotics commercialization. Others will be skeptical about timelines and feasibility at scale. Still others will focus on questions the presentation didn't answer.

Investors and financial analysts will be asking about market size, revenue potential, and profitability timelines. Hyundai's robotics strategy represents a major capital investment. Proving that it generates returns is crucial for company leadership.

The manufacturing industry will be paying close attention to specific use cases and results. If Hyundai is building robots for factories, actual factory operators want to see data about productivity improvements, safety enhancements, cost reductions, and integration challenges.

In the days following CES, Hyundai will likely release additional technical details, white papers, or more detailed information for people deeply interested in specific capabilities. The press conference is the headline moment, but the full story emerges over time.

Conclusion: Why This Moment Matters

Hyundai's CES 2026 press conference represents an inflection point. The company is essentially saying that they're moving beyond their core automotive business to become a major player in global robotics and manufacturing automation.

That's a significant strategic shift backed by years of Boston Dynamics investment and development. This isn't a new thing Hyundai decided last year. They've been building toward this for half a decade.

The technologies being showcased—the next-generation Atlas robot and the Mob ED platform—represent the practical, commercializable face of that long-term investment. These aren't research projects or concept robots. These are machines designed to actually be deployed in real facilities and solve real problems.

The broader context matters too. With EV adoption facing headwinds due to policy changes and market saturation in some regions, Hyundai's pivot to robotics shows forward thinking. The company is investing in markets with even bigger potential and longer runways.

If you care about the future of manufacturing, automation, robotics, or even just what Hyundai is planning as a company, watching this presentation live gives you direct insight into their vision and capabilities. The livestream format means you can follow along from anywhere in the world.

So set your reminder. Get on the Hyundai USA or Hyundai global YouTube channel at 4:00 PM ET on January 5, 2026. Watch as Hyundai introduces the next-generation Atlas robot and discusses their ambitious AI Robotics Strategy. Pay attention to the technical details, the timelines, and the strategic positioning.

This is the moment Hyundai starts telling the world that they're not just a car company anymore. They're a robotics and manufacturing innovation company. That story is worth watching unfold in real time.

FAQ

What time does Hyundai's CES 2026 press conference start?

Hyundai's press conference takes place on January 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. That translates to 1:00 PM Pacific Time for West Coast viewers, or 9:00 PM GMT for European audiences. The exact timing helps you plan around other CES presentations happening that day.

Where can I watch the Hyundai CES 2026 presentation live?

You can stream the presentation live on either the Hyundai USA YouTube channel or Hyundai's global YouTube channel. Both channels stream the identical presentation simultaneously, so choose whichever you prefer. If you can't watch live, full replays become available on both channels shortly after the presentation concludes.

What robots will Hyundai be showcasing at CES 2026?

Hyundai will be revealing the next-generation Atlas robot for the first time ever, along with the Mob ED robot platform. The new Atlas features a dog-like quadrupedal design based on Boston Dynamics' work, representing a significant shift from previous humanoid designs. The Mob ED is a wheeled robot platform that recently earned a CES 2026 Innovation Award and focuses on manufacturing and logistics applications.

What is Hyundai's AI Robotics Strategy?

Hyundai's strategy centers on the theme of "Partnering Human Progress" and focuses on commercializing AI-enhanced robots for real-world industrial applications. The company plans to discuss their Group Value Network and Software-Defined Factory approach, which outlines how to integrate intelligent robots into manufacturing environments and scale production of these technologies commercially.

Why is Hyundai focusing on robotics instead of electric vehicles at CES 2026?

With policy changes eliminating EV incentives and market conditions shifting, Hyundai is emphasizing robotics as a larger long-term opportunity. The global robotics market represents a significantly larger potential revenue stream than electric vehicles alone. Additionally, Hyundai's acquisition of Boston Dynamics five years ago has positioned them to lead in commercial robotics, making this the right moment to showcase their progress.

Will the Holographic Windshield Display be shown at Hyundai's press conference?

No, the Holographic Windshield Display will not be featured during the main press conference. Hyundai's Mobis subsidiary (their components division) will showcase this technology separately on the CES floor as part of their broader 30+ mobility convergence technologies, but it won't be part of the primary robotics-focused presentation.

What should I expect during the live presentation?

Expect glossy marketing videos showcasing the robots in action, live demonstrations if the company is confident about reliability, executive presentations explaining the strategy and vision, and detailed discussion of technical capabilities like payload capacity, speed, and AI capabilities. The company will likely announce commercialization timelines, pricing structures, partnership details, and specific industry applications where these robots will be deployed.

How does the new Atlas robot differ from previous versions?

The next-generation Atlas features a quadrupedal dog-like design instead of the humanoid bipedal design of earlier versions. This shift provides better stability, improved terrain handling, lower complexity, and increased robustness for industrial environments. The quadrupedal approach also reduces the constant balance adjustments required by humanoid robots and makes the design more practical for real-world commercial applications.

What is the Mob ED robot platform designed for?

Mob ED is a wheeled robotics platform specifically optimized for manufacturing and logistics environments where the ground is relatively controlled and flat. Wheels provide greater efficiency, speed, and lower energy consumption compared to legs on prepared surfaces. The platform's recent CES Innovation Award indicates genuine advancement in wheeled robotics for industrial automation applications.

When will Hyundai's robots be available for purchase?

While specific pricing and availability details will likely be discussed during the presentation, the robots are still in the commercialization phase. Hyundai will probably outline timelines for when companies can begin purchasing these robots, what industries they're targeting first, and what support and training the company provides. These details are crucial for potential customers interested in robot adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Hyundai's CES 2026 press conference happens January 5 at 4 PM ET on HyundaiUSA or global YouTube channels, focusing entirely on AI robotics strategy rather than electric vehicles
• The company will reveal a next-generation quadrupedal Atlas robot (with dog-like design) and the MobED wheeled platform, both designed for commercial deployment in manufacturing and logistics
• Boston Dynamics' six-year investment under Hyundai ownership is reaching commercialization phase with concrete timelines, partnership announcements, and specific industrial applications
• Hyundai's strategic shift from emphasizing EVs to robotics reflects market conditions and represents a larger long-term growth opportunity than traditional automotive
• The presentation will detail Group Value Network and Software-Defined Factory strategies showing how Hyundai plans to integrate AI robots at scale across manufacturing environments

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