Boston Dynamics has lifted the veil on an improved version of its Atlas humanoid robot, whose specialty is that it runs entirely on electricity.
The previous model used a hydraulic system. The automaker collaborated with Hyundai on this new robot — the automaker set out to develop new manufacturing capabilities for its vehicles.
First in the factories, and then?
This partnership between the two companies is an important step in the evolution of their robots, which will be able to lend a hand in all kinds of areas, from laboratories to factories, and potentially for everyday life.
The old Atlas model was already recognized for its ability to perform many tasks: handling heavy objects, acrobatic dance demonstrations…
The new electric Atlas model goes even further with its greater power and flexibility, and more movements in its repertoire. ” The Atlas electric model will be more powerful, with a wider range of motion than any of our previous generations “, says the press release of Boston Dynamics.
“We continue to expand these existing capabilities and are exploring several new gripper variations to meet the many handling needs of our customers’ environments “.
The presentation of the new version caused conflicting reactions on social networks. We are not so far from Terminator…
Boston Dynamics, which was acquired by Hyundai in 2020 for $1 billion, plans to use Atlas in the automaker’s factories for repetitive and monotonous tasks.
The move has the potential to transform the industry, potentially replacing human workers with robots capable of performing tasks with greater efficiency and precision.
Atlas is not the only humanoid robot entering the world of work.
In April, the Canadian company Sanctuary AI announced the delivery of a humanoid robot to Magni, an Austrian company that assembles cars for brands such as Mercedes, Jaguar and BMW.
California startup Figure, backed by investors such as Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon, is working on humanoid robots with generative artificial intelligence in collaboration with OpenAI.
The development of humanoid robots by Boston Dynamics and other companies clearly raises important questions about the future of work and the place of humans in increasingly automated environments. Boston Dynamics seems to be aware of the hiring challenges.
“In the coming months and years, we look forward to showing what the world’s most dynamic humanoid robot can really do—in the lab, the factory, and in our lives. “, the company announced on its blog.