Hyundai Motor union warns against humanoid robot deployment

Hyundai Motor’s labor union has strongly opposed the company’s plan to deploy humanoid robots across its major assembly lines in South Korea and overseas. The union said robots should not be introduced at any worksite without an agreement between labor and management.

Hyundai Motor Group has identified the Atlas humanoid robot, developed by Boston Dynamics, as a key part of its future growth strategy. The company revealed plans at the CES technology fair to begin deploying the robots at its Metaplant America factory in the United States by 2028.

The company said the robots would mainly handle repetitive and dangerous tasks that human workers try to avoid. Hyundai argued that using robots would improve overall work efficiency and help support its manufacturing operations.

The labor union rejected this explanation, warning that large-scale robot deployment would seriously threaten jobs. It said robots do not require the same long-term labor costs as human workers and could cause major employment shocks. Although humanoid robots require maintenance, the union noted these costs are much lower than human wages.

The union also criticized Hyundai’s plan to expand production capacity at overseas plants, saying it could reduce domestic production. Despite these concerns, Hyundai Motor Group has seen its market value rise, driven by investor optimism about its robotics and future technology plans.

source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20260122/hyundai-motor-union-warns-against-humanoid-robot-deployment

Comprehension

What plan by Hyundai Motor Group is the labor union opposing?
Which humanoid robot does Hyundai plan to use in its factories?
What reason did Hyundai give for introducing robots at assembly lines?
Why does the labor union believe robots could harm workers?
What concern did the union raise about Hyundai’s overseas factories?

Discussion

Why do you think workers are worried about robots in factories?
Do you agree that robots should only do dangerous or repetitive jobs? Why or why not?
Should companies ask workers’ permission before introducing new technology?
How might robots change factory jobs in the future?
Do robots save money for companies? Is this fair to workers?
What could governments do to protect workers when automation increases?
Would you feel safer or less secure working with robots? Explain.
Do you think technological progress should be slowed to protect jobs? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

Labor union – a group that represents workers’ rights and interests
Humanoid robot – a robot designed to look or move like a human
Deployment – the act of putting something into use
Automation – using machines or technology to do work
Efficiency – doing work well with less time or effort
Overseas – in another country
Production capacity – the maximum amount a factory can produce