韩国SL称考虑2027–2028年在美国工厂部署双臂移动机器人，但无订单无时间表，Spot腿组件量产尚未启动

SL Corporation showcases its robotics and factory automation technologies at FIX 2026 in Daegu, South Korea. Credit: Sherri Wang

South Korean automotive supplier SL is considering deploying its mobile dual-arm robot at a US factory in 2027 or 2028, potentially marking the system's first overseas deployment, a company representative said in an interview with DIGITIMES at FIX 2026 in Daegu on October 24.

The representative said the US was the first overseas destination under consideration but did not identify a facility or commit to a timetable. The move would extend SL's robotics efforts beyond South Korea as the company looks to apply its automotive manufacturing expertise to industrial automation.
SL remains heavily dependent on its traditional automotive business. The company generated KRW2.76 trillion (approximately US$2.09 billion) in revenue in the first half of 2026, with automotive lighting accounting for 77.7%, according to its regulatory filing. It does not separately disclose robotics revenue.
SL is developing a mobile dual-arm robot that combines its own autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platform with a dual-arm system from South Korean robotics company Neuromeka. The project is part of a manufacturing automation initiative involving SL, Neuromeka, and regional research organizations.
The company aims to introduce the robot into its production operations before expanding deployment across its overseas manufacturing network.
Commercial readiness remains a challenge. Asked whether the robot's working speed had improved since June, the SL representative indicated that performance remained broadly similar, without providing updated test figures.
SL already operates robots at a domestic manufacturing facility, the representative said. At FIX 2026, the company shifted its exhibition focus from automotive lighting to robotics, showcasing an AMR designed for autonomous navigation and factory material handling.
Hyundai ties support robotics expansion
SL's robotics expansion builds on its longstanding relationship with Hyundai Motor Group, which is developing a supplier network for mobile robots and other automation systems.
According to SL's 2025 sustainability report, the company secured orders in September 2024 for battery pack assemblies, LiDAR components, and assembly and inspection work for Hyundai's MobED mobile robot platform.
Hyundai subsequently included SL among 10 component suppliers in the MobED Alliance, established in March 2026 to accelerate the platform's commercialization in South Korea.
SL also secured an order in 2024 for full leg assemblies for Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot, following earlier business supplying indicator lamps for the company's Stretch logistics robot.
SL's first-half 2026 filing indicated that MobED and Spot-related robotics products were expected to enter mass production during the year. However, the company has not disclosed detailed shipment figures.
Asked at FIX whether mass production of Spot leg modules had begun, the representative said production had not yet started and described ongoing joint development with Boston Dynamics. The representative did not clarify whether the response referred to the previously announced full leg assembly order or a different product variant.
The representative declined to discuss whether SL was also involved in supplying components for Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot.
On manufacturing, the representative said SL assembles robot modules in-house while sourcing some individual components from outside suppliers. The company also operates manufacturing facilities in China, although the representative did not provide a detailed supplier breakdown.
Hyundai's robotics expansion gives SL an established route into a new manufacturing market. However, its MobED and Boston Dynamics businesses also keep the company's robotics push closely tied to its longstanding automotive partner.