Atlas: The Tech Powering Hyundai's Humanoid Robot's FIFA Debut

Atlas appeared at the Brazil vs. Norway match this weekend. Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Motor Company used advanced software and virtual simulations to bring the Boston Dynamics humanoid robot into a live World Cup football match.

Football fans cheering for Brazil and Norway at the New York/New Jersey Stadium witnessed a historic technology integration over the weekend.

The humanoid robot Atlas stepped onto the pitch to hand the match ball to the referee for the second half, marking the first time a humanoid robot has been integrated into a live FIFA match.

As the Official Robotics Partner of the FIFA World Cup, Hyundai Motor Company demonstrated the real-world capabilities of robotics to captivate and inspire fans around the globe.

During halftime, Atlas emerged from the player tunnel and entertained the crowd by mimicking iconic goal celebrations from human players. The robot performed the signature moves of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Matheus Cunha, and Son Heung-min.

Atlas then delivered the ceremonial ball to the referee to mark the start of the second half. This performance aligns with a broader corporate vision for future mobility expanded through robotics.

Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company, explains: “As part of Hyundai’s Next Starts Now campaign, we wanted Atlas’ performance on the world’s biggest stage to demonstrate that the future isn’t something we imagine – it starts now.

“At Hyundai, we are committed to developing human-centered innovation that integrates seamlessly into everyday life, and to presenting a new vision of future mobility expanded through robotics – showing that robotics can be a trusted partner in humanity's progress through diverse and creative brand experiences.”

Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company

Driving Advanced Retargeting Software

American robotics company Boston Dynamics, originally founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1992, developed Atlas. At the heart of the robot's performance lies advanced retargeting technology.

This specialized software acts as a digital translator, taking the organic, highly complex movements of human football players and mapping them onto a mechanical frame.

Because a robot's joints and weight distribution differ fundamentally from a human athlete's, retargeting ensures the essence and recognizability of iconic celebrations are preserved without compromising the robot's physical limitations.

Before Atlas ever stepped onto the grass, it had already performed those celebrations millions of times in the digital realm. Engineers used hyper-realistic virtual simulations to train the robot's AI model through reinforcement learning.

Atlas with the referee. Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

Training AI for Movement

In these digital environments, the system undergoes a process of trial and error, testing thousands of subtle movement variations per second.

The AI is rewarded for stability and accuracy, allowing Atlas to refine its choreography, anticipate physics, and eliminate potential stumbles in a safe setting long before performing in front of a stadium full of fans.

Finally, whole-body control is the operational framework that keeps Atlas upright and moving with remarkable fluidity. Rather than treating arms, legs, and torso as isolated components, this system treats the robot as a single, unified entity.

When Atlas mimics a dynamic post-goal leap, the whole-body control system constantly calculates and coordinates every joint simultaneously.

This real-time processing balances the robot's momentum, adapts instantly to the pitch's friction, and ensures every motion is smooth, balanced, and lifelike.

Alberto Rodriguez, Director of Robotics Behaviour at Boston Dynamics

Alberto Rodriguez, Director of Robotics Behaviour at Boston Dynamics, explains: “At Boston Dynamics we have always taken inspiration from human athletic feats like gymnastics, dancing, parkour, and now football to push forward the frontier of what robots can do in a way that connects with people.

“Working with Hyundai Motor Group and FIFA to create such a unique moment for fans was an exciting challenge for our team. The way we trained Atlas to perform these entertaining movements at the match is similar to how we teach the robot to handle real-world industrial applications.

“It’s a great way to introduce people everywhere to the incredible potential of today’s AI-enabled robots.”