Today in robotics.

Hyundai and Boston Dynamics have launched a World Cup-themed campaign that follows Atlas, the company’s humanoid robot, as it learns soccer.

The five-part series, called School of Football, culminates with Atlas attempting a Ghost Rabona, a technically demanding cross-leg kick. Hyundai released the campaign as part of its lead-up to FIFA World Cup 2026, where the automaker serves as both FIFA’s mobility and robotics partner.
The campaign comes as Boston Dynamics expands the public demonstrations of its electric Atlas platform. Previous showcases emphasized locomotion, including running, jumping, and parkour. Soccer introduces a moving object and a less predictable environment.

Researchers have long used soccer as a robotics benchmark because it combines perception, locomotion, planning, and control in a single task. The annual RoboCup competition was founded on the same premise.

The World Cup campaign coincides with Hyundai’s first official robotics deployment at a FIFA tournament. During the event, four Boston Dynamics Spot robots will be assigned to patrol and inspection duties at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas and at the New York–New Jersey stadium.
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