Boston Dynamics has unveiled an upgraded version of its humanoid robot, Atlas, that features a unique feature that runs entirely on electricity. The previous model used a hydraulic system. The automaker worked with Hyundai on the new robot — the automaker has been developing new production capabilities for its vehicles.
First in the factories, and after?
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 ranging from laboratories to factories, and potentially for daily life.
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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 strength and flexibility, and more movements in his repertoire. “ The Atlas electric model will be more powerful, with a wider range of motion than any of our previous generations “, Boston Dynamics said in a statement. We continue to expand on these existing capabilities and explore several new gripper variations to meet many handling needs in our customers’ environments ».
The presentation of this new version sparked contrasting reactions on social networks. We are no longer so far from Terminator…
Boston Dynamics, acquired by Hyundai in 2020 for $1 billion, plans to use Atlas in the automaker’s factories for repetitive, monotonous tasks. The move has the potential to transform the industry, potentially replacing human workers with robots that can perform tasks with greater efficiency and precision.
Atlas isn’t the only humanoid robot making its way into the workforce. Sanctuary AI, a Canadian company, announced in April that it had delivered a humanoid robot to Magna, an Austrian firm that assembles cars for brands like Mercedes, Jaguar, and BMW. California-based startup Figure, backed by investors including 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 obviously raises important questions about the future of work and the place of humans in increasingly automated environments. Boston Dynamics seems aware of the challenges in terms of employment. “ In the months and years to come, we look forward to showing what the world’s most dynamic humanoid robot can really do – in the laboratory, in the factory and in our lives “, the company said in its blog.
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