Nov 1, 2024
Boston Dynamics released a new video Wednesday, Oct. 30, showcasing the latest capabilities of its humanoid robot, Atlas, which now operates without human oversight. In a simulated industrial environment, Atlas autonomously performs tasks such as moving engine parts between containers and sequencing dollies, using advanced machine learning and sensor technology to detect, grasp and position items.
Unlike many robotics demonstrations, Atlas operates without pre-programmed steps or real-time human control. Boston Dynamics says the robot can dynamically respond to changes in its environment, adjusting its approach if, for example, a part doesn’t fit as expected.
This adaptability is powered by a combination of camera-based sensors, force sensors and advanced software, enabling Atlas to detect and refine its actions in real time.
This level of autonomy contrasts with Tesla’s Optimus robot, which has shown reliance on remote human operators for guidance.
In October, Boston Dynamics announced a partnership with the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) to further enhance Atlas’ capabilities with TRI’s behavior models, enabling the robot to quickly adapt to complex tasks required in factory settings.
These models, similar to large language models, allow Atlas to learn physical tasks with reduced training needs and improved durability on the job.
The newest model of Atlas is fully electric, a shift from its previous hydraulic system, allowing for smoother and more precise movements. Supported by Hyundai, Boston Dynamics sees this collaboration with TRI as a significant step toward developing flexible, humanoid robots capable of performing everyday industrial tasks.
CEO Robert Playter described the initiative as focused on creating robots that can handle a wide range of tasks in manufacturing and beyond.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has predicted that by 2040, the global market will include at least 10 billion humanoid robots priced between $20,000 and $25,000. While Atlas marks a leap forward, experts say its long-term success depends on achieving affordability, durability, and scalability to make widespread industrial applications feasible.
Boston Dynamics New Autonomous Update Is Incredible (Boston Dynamics Atlas 2024)
Nov 1, 2024 #bostondynamics #humanoidrobot #atlasrobot
Prepare to be amazed! Boston Dynamics has done it again, pushing the boundaries of robotics and engineering. This groundbreaking update to the iconic Atlas robot is set to redefine the future of humanoid technology. Witness the incredible feats of agility, strength, and intelligence as Atlas performs tasks once thought impossible.
From parkour to precision manipulation, this advanced robot is redefining what’s humanly possible.
Why build a humanoid robot? Because the world is designed for humans, including all the best Halloween costumes! pic.twitter.com/1a0iySP4ny
— Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) October 31, 2024
Atlas is autonomously moving engine covers between supplier containers and a mobile sequencing dolly, using ML to detect and localize the environment fixtures and individual bin. There are no prescribed or teleoperated movements. t.co/br63dMoB7C
— Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) October 30, 2024
The robot is shaped like a human, but it sure doesn’t move like one. It starts supine on the floor, pancake-flat. Then, in a display of superhuman joint mobility, its legs curl upward from the knees, sort of like a scorpion tail, until its feet settle firmly on the floor beside its hips. From there, it stands up, a swiveling mass of silver limbs. The robot’s ring-light head turns a full 180 degrees to face the camera, as though possessed. Then it lurches forward at you.
The scene plays out like one of those moments in a sci-fi movie when the heroes think for sure the all-powerful villain must be done for, but somehow he comes back stronger than ever.
Except it’s a real-life video released last month by the robotics company Boston Dynamics to introduce its new Atlas robot. The humanoid machine, according to the video’s caption, is intended to further the company’s “commitment to delivering the most capable, useful mobile robots solving the toughest challenges in industry today.” It has also freaked out many people, and the video has garnered millions of views.
“Impressive? Yes. Terrifying? Absolutely,” wrote a reporter for The Verge. Terminator and I, Robot memes abounded.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/05/boston-dynamics-robot-videos-youtube/678261/
April 2024:
The teaser showcasing the new robot’s capabilities is as unnerving as it is theatrical. The video starts with Atlas lying in a cadaver-like fashion on the floor before it swiftly folds its legs backward over its body and rises to a standing position in a manner befitting some kind of Cronenberg body-horror flick. Its curved, illuminated head does add some Pixar lamp-like charm, but the way Atlas then spins at the waist and marches toward the camera really feels rather jarring.
The design itself is also a little more humanoid. Similar to bipedal robots like Tesla’s Optimus, the new Atlas now has longer limbs, a straighter back, and a distinct “head” that can swivel around as needed. There are no cables in sight, and its “face” includes a built-in ring light. It is a marked improvement on its predecessor and now features a bunch of Boston Dynamics’ new AI and machine learning tools.
The company also said it’s continuing to build on capabilities already achieved with the last generation hydraulic Atlas model, such as lifting and maneuvering objects, alongside exploring “several new gripper variations” to ready the robot for a range of different industry environments.
www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24133145/boston-dynamics-resurrects-atlas-humanoid-robot-electric-new
One of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots has been all play and no work. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas is famous for backflips, parkour, and dance mobs. These require extremely impressive robotic control, but they’re also mostly fun research demos.
Now, six months after the legendary robotics lab unveiled an all-new electric Atlas, they’re showing off more of what it can do. A recent video shows Atlas picking auto parts from one set of shelves and moving them over to another, a job currently handled by factory workers.
Apart from being electric, the new Atlas has a unique way of moving. Its head, upper body, pelvis, and legs swivel independently. So, its head might rotate to face the opposite direction of its legs and torso, Exorcist-style, before the rest of its body twists around to catch up.
The new demo highlights another core change for Atlas. Whereas, in the past, Boston Dynamics meticulously programmed the robot’s most impressive maneuvers, the latest video, by contrast, shows a fully autonomous Atlas at work.
“There are no prescribed or teleoperated movements; all motions are generated autonomously online,” according to a description accompanying the video.
singularityhub.com/2024/11/04/watch-boston-dynamics-new-electric-atlas-robot-gets-down-to-work/
h/t Digital mix guy Spock
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