Boston Dynamics has unveiled the latest version of its Atlas robot, capable of enhanced human-like movements and actions. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based robot company showed off the humanoid robot with grippers and demonstrated its capabilities in a video posted on YouTube. The robot performs complex actions such as grabbing and throwing an object, navigating complex terrain while holding another object.
In the video sent On the Boston Dynamics YouTube channel, the company’s Atlas robot navigates a challenging environment while walking on two legs, mimicking human movement. The Atlas robot can also be seen grabbing a plank and jumping to turn, carry and place it to create a bridge to walk between two platforms while holding on to a toolbox.
The Atlas robot then walks across the platform bridge it created and tosses the tool kit up to the person on the scaffolding. The maneuver performed is referred to by Boston Dynamics as a 540-degree inverted multi-axis flip.
After successfully passing the toolkit to the human on the ledge above, the Atlas robot theatrically performs a perfectly executed backflip while still on the thin platform.
The demonstration shows how humanoid robots like the Atlas could potentially replace humans in performing tasks that carry risks of life and injury when performed by humans.
Recently, Boston dynamic and IBM were seen work together Deploying robotic dogs at US National Grid sites for the purpose of autonomous inspection. The robotic dogs, named Spot, will be integrated by artificial intelligence (AI) developed by IBM Research and will be used at power and gas utility sites in Massachusetts and New York for regular inspections.
However, Boston Dynamics’ creative push to use robots in real-world situations and applications has not always been smooth. The enterprise confronted Backlash for selling Spot to local police departments, including the NYPD, resulting in the NYPD canceling the agreement.
