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Hyundai's Atlas Robot Makes World Cup Debut

WireByte Staff · July 6, 2026

Hyundai's Atlas humanoid robot made its debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, mimicking player celebrations and delivering the match ball to the referee. The robot's appearance was part of Hyundai's marketing campaign, 'Next Starts Now'. The crowd was enthusiastic, with spectators taking photos and videos of Atlas's performance.

Key points

  • Hyundai's Atlas robot debuted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, appearing on the pitch during the Round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil.
  • Atlas mimicked player celebrations, including those of Norway's star player, Erling Haaland.
  • The robot delivered the match ball to the referee at the end of the first half, allowing the game to continue.
  • Hyundai's 'Next Starts Now' campaign featured Atlas's performance, aiming to promote the brand's innovative technology.
  • The crowd reacted positively to Atlas's appearance, with spectators taking photos and videos of the robot's actions.

Hyundai's Atlas robot made a significant appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a major milestone in the robot's public debut. The humanoid robot, developed in collaboration with Boston Dynamics, was introduced at CES earlier this year and received widespread attention for its impressive capabilities.

The robot's performance at the World Cup was a key part of Hyundai's marketing campaign, 'Next Starts Now', which aims to promote the brand's innovative technology and commitment to innovation. By featuring Atlas at the World Cup, Hyundai aimed to showcase the robot's capabilities and appeal to a global audience.

The crowd's reaction to Atlas's appearance was overwhelmingly positive, with spectators taking photos and videos of the robot's actions. The robot's ability to mimic player celebrations, including those of Norway's star player, Erling Haaland, added to the excitement and entertainment value of the event.

While Atlas's primary role at the World Cup was to promote Hyundai's brand, the robot's performance also highlighted its potential applications in various fields, including entertainment, education, and research. As the use of robots and artificial intelligence continues to grow, events like the World Cup provide valuable opportunities for companies to showcase their innovative technologies and engage with global audiences.

The success of Atlas's World Cup debut is likely to have significant implications for Hyundai's marketing strategy and brand reputation. By leveraging the robot's popularity and appeal, the company can continue to promote its innovative technology and commitment to innovation, while also expanding its reach and influence in the global market.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.