On Wednesday, Boston Dynamics unveiled an updated iteration of its humanoid robot, “Atlas,” with an emphasis on its adaptability to real-world scenarios. The company once again accompanied the announcement with a demonstration video, highlighting the robot’s capabilities in action.
The company is moving forward with great momentum with the introduction of its latest iteration of the Atlas, now all-electric, while simultaneously discontinuing the previously hydraulic-powered model.
At the heart of this transition lies the strategic collaboration between Boston Dynamics and Hyundai, a partnership the company attributes to developing the “next generation of capabilities in automotive manufacturing,” as highlighted in the official Boston Dynamics blog post .
“In the coming months and years, we’re excited to show what the world’s most dynamic humanoid robot can really do – in the lab, in the factory, and in our lives,” says the company’s blog .
However, despite the details of the robot’s new design, the launch generated skepticism among many social media users . Some compared the launch of Atlas to something straight out of James Cameron’s iconic post-apocalyptic franchise “The Terminator”.
“It’s like ‘call an ambulance… but not for me,’” joked YouTuber Marques Brownlee .
On the Boston Dynamics website , you can see the original Atlas robot performing a variety of tasks, from lifting objects to dancing moves. The company stated that its new electric model represents a significant innovation.
“The electric version of the Atlas will be stronger, with a wider range of motion than any of our previous generations,” the company said in a statement. “Our state-of-the-art hydraulic Atlas (HD Atlas) could already lift and maneuver a wide variety of heavy and irregular objects; We continue to develop these existing capabilities and are exploring several new gripper variations to meet a diverse set of handling needs expected in customer environments.”
Boston Dynamics is positioned as one of the global leaders in the field of robotics, with several of its machines performing industrial functions and being employed by police departments.
