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| (Figures from U.S. Patent Application No. 18/545,255, titled “Perception System for a Lower Body Powered Exoskeleton.” Source: USPTO) |
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. acquired a U.S. patent application from Boston Dynamics in March 2025, marking the first time Hyundai has directly purchased intellectual property from its majority-owned robotics subsidiary.
The application, titled "Perception system for a lower body powered exoskeleton" (U.S. App. No. 18/545,255), was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in December 2023 and remains pending.
The filing describes a perception system designed for a powered lower-body exoskeleton. It incorporates a camera to capture terrain images and a processor that performs footstep planning and issues movement instructions based on real-time terrain analysis. The technology aims to improve gait stability and autonomy, and may be used in rehabilitation devices, wearable robotics, and mobility aids for users with impaired walking function.
The transaction signals possible strategic positioning by Hyundai, with potential motivations including litigation preparation, licensing flexibility, IP portfolio consolidation, or tax-related structuring. Direct ownership of the patent could also offer accounting benefits such as depreciation and cost allocation.
Hyundai Motor Group completed its acquisition of an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in June 2021, valuing the robotics company at $1.1 billion. SoftBank retains the remaining 20% through an affiliate.
By PatenTrip
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