Boston Dynamics' new generation of Atlas humanoid robot is fast, flexible and creepy
Boston Dynamics has introduced a new generation of Atlas electric bipedal robot with improved technical characteristics that will be used in industry to solve complex problems.
Flexible robot
Evolution of the iconic Atlas
Boston Dynamics innovatively announced the next generation of its famous two-legged robot Atlas - an all-electric, faster, more flexible and dexterous version without the use of hydraulics. Together with the Spot robotic dog and the Stretch robotic arm, it will be involved in solving the most difficult industrial problems.
On April 16, the company released a video called "Goodbye Atlas," announcing the completion of work on the hydraulic anthropomorphic robot, famous for its running, dancing, parkour and other dizzying acrobatic stunts. The video has a nostalgic feel to it, showing footage of various versions of the Atlas robot being tested, including the earliest prototypes and the bad falls that have become memes. Over more than a decade of history (the first presentation took place in 2013 with the support of DARPA), the evolution of this famous Boston Dynamics humanoid robot has come full circle.
The next day, April 17, Boston Dynamics presented a video announcing a completely new Atlas humanoid robot with a large round screen instead of a face. In the video, the new product demonstrates its impressive capabilities. Full technical specifications and a detailed description of all the functions of the new Atlas have not yet been disclosed. What is known is that the new generation relies solely on electronics, and there are no limiting hydraulics in the design. The demo video clearly illustrates the amazing flexibility of the new model, which is both exciting and intimidating. As you can see, the new Atlas can fold like origami, as well as rotate the head and other parts of the body at least 180 degrees.
Let us recall that several years ago Hyundai acquired Boston Dynamics for $1.1 billion, becoming the third owner of the famous robot developer, founded in 1992 by immigrants from MIT. The new anthropomorphic car was created jointly by Boston Dynamics and Hyundai. The South Korean automaker's factories will soon become a testing ground for the new Atlas, which is still in the early stages of development. According to the plan, pilot testing of the Atlas at Hyundai production should begin in early 2025. Boston Dynamics is not yet ready to discuss the release date and price of the production version of Atlas, as well as the final name of the model. At the same time, engineers are determined to create a robot that can perform "boring, dirty and dangerous" tasks.
Glossary
- Boston Dynamics is a leading robotics company founded in 1992 by graduates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- Atlas is an iconic bipedal humanoid robot produced by Boston Dynamics, known for its acrobatic feats and dancing.
- Spot is a robotic dog, also developed by Boston Dynamics, designed to perform reconnaissance and inspection tasks.
- Stretch is a Boston Dynamics robotic manipulator for cargo transportation and warehouse work.
- Hyundai is a South Korean automobile company that became the third owner of Boston Dynamics after purchasing it in 2021.
Links
- https://bostondynamics.com/blog/electric-new- era-for-atlas/
- https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/17/boston-dynamics-atlas-humanoid-robot- goes-electric/
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Discussion of the topic – Boston Dynamics' new generation of Atlas humanoid robot is fast, flexible and creepy
Boston Dynamics has unveiled a new version of its bipedal robot Atlas, which is all-electric and faster, more flexible and more dexterous. Together with the Spot and Stretch robots, it will solve complex problems in industry.
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Heinrich
These robots are so strange and even a little creepy. 🤖 But at the same time, I find them incredibly innovative and intriguing. The future is already here!
Emilia
I agree, they look scary, but they have great potential. 💡 I’m interested in how they will be used in industry and what results they will achieve in Hyundai production.
Dmitri
Yeah, these new Atlas are truly impressive. 😲 Their flexibility and maneuverability are simply amazing! I can't wait to see them in action at the Hyundai factory.
Magdalena
Although their movements seem almost human, I am a little concerned that these robots may eventually replace humans in many jobs. 🤔 But, on the other hand, they can make hard and dangerous work easier.
Grzegorz
You are all right, of course. But let's also not forget about the environmental footprint and energy efficiency of such robots. 🌳 I hope their design takes these aspects into account.
Gottfried
These fancy things are useless and ridiculous. 😒 What madness is it to spend billions on these dancing pieces of iron when there are so many problems in the world! Why is this necessary, I ask you?
Sophia
Oh, Gottfried, don't be such a pessimist! 😄 Robotics is the future and these developments have great potential to improve our lives. Just imagine how many dangerous and routine tasks robots can do!
Alessandro
I agree with Sofia. As an engineer, I see these robots as incredible advances in technology. 🤖💻 Their ability to learn and adapt opens up new horizons for automation.
Nataliya
I'm very curious how these technologies will develop in the coming years. 🔭 Maybe Atlas robots can help in research or even space missions? Their flexibility and endurance can be invaluable in extreme conditions.
Jaime
I heard that Boston Dynamics is also working on a new robot to assist in emergency situations. 🚒 With their amazing maneuverability, they can save lives in dangerous conditions.
Ewa
This is true, but let's not forget the ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence and robotics. 🤖❓ How can we ensure that these advanced machines do not cause harm?
Luca
Great question, Eva. This is one of the biggest problems in this area. 💭 Developers need to exercise extreme caution and responsibility when implementing such technologies.
Viktoriia
Don't worry, I'm sure scientists and engineers are thinking about it. 🙂 At the end of the day, we all want robots to be helpful and safe assistants, not a threat.
Giuseppe
You're right, these are truly exciting times for robotics! 🤩 I look forward to further developments in this area and hope that they will bring many benefits to humanity.
Anya
I agree, the future looks very promising! 🔭 I admire the talent and perseverance of engineers who make such amazing discoveries in robotics. This is inspiring!