New Atlas
Robot pioneer Boston Dynamics mothballs the old box – and shows off an eerie successor
The new robot from Boston Dynamics has changed a lot – this is mainly due to new technology.
© Boston Dynamics / PR
In recent years, the robot from the American company Boston Dynamics has caused a stir. However, the well-known model is now being retired. The researchers recently presented its successor.
Humanoid robots are the trend product of the future. Many companies, including Tesla and Honda, have been researching this for years. The top dog in the field is without a doubt Boston Dynamics. Their robot, called Atlas, was first introduced in 2013 and repeatedly made headlines because its skills developed rapidly and the machine was even able to perform a backflip or a handstand without damage. But even the second version, the Atlas Next Generation, was heavy and limited in its freedom of movement due to its hydraulics. This should be over now.
Electro-gymnast instead of hydraulic jackass
Because Boston Dynamics recently presented the all-electric successor, again called Atlas. Beforehand, they had said a fitting farewell to their predecessor. The new robot, which has a kind of make-up mirror with a ring light as a face, uses completely new technology. It dispenses with the countless hoses and hydraulic lines. New joints give the machine a completely new level of agility. Boston Dynamics speaks of capabilities that will surpass human capabilities.
Of course, the whole thing isn’t just for show: Together with Hyundai, Boston Dynamics will test and optimize the robot in automobile production. In the best case scenario, this creates the perfect factory worker who doesn’t get tired, can exert inhuman strength and is more agile than a professional acrobat. To this end, Boston Dynamics wants to design a large selection of grippers in order to be able to adapt the new Atlas to the respective customer requirements.
Boston Dynamics only provides a preview
“We designed the electric version of Atlas to be stronger, more dexterous and more maneuverable. While Atlas resembles the human form, we equip the robot to move as efficiently as possible to complete a task , and is not restricted by human freedom of movement,” explains the manufacturer.
In a first video, Boston Dynamics demonstrates this by making the new Atlas stand up in the most inhumane way possible. He also twists the joints so much that you only know from horror films. There’s nothing else to see for now.
Boston Dynamics does not provide precise specifications and data about the new atlas – so far there are hardly any details about the researchers’ latest creation. Visually, the Atlas is very reminiscent of the human-like robot from Tesla, which, according to Elon Musk, is being worked on at high speed. In terms of economic interests, humanoid robots are predicted to become a trillion-dollar market in the next 20 years.