Boston Dynamics’ Atlas Robot Now Fully Autonomous, Showcasing Next-Level Robotics

[Social Media]

 

Boston Dynamics has released a video of its latest autonomous humanoid robot, Atlas, which can now perform tasks independently with zero human intervention. In this new demonstration, Atlas efficiently completes a sequence of physical tasks typically required in industrial settings. Moving engine covers between containers and skillfully maneuvering a mobile sequencing dolly, the robot simulates factory work, marking a significant milestone in autonomous robotics.

Boston Dynamics is so far ahead.

Because demo videos are easy, only roboticists actually know this. pic.twitter.com/8tqJTCicME

— Simon Kalouche (@simonkalouche) October 30, 2024

 

The company emphasized that Atlas is “fully autonomous,” relying on an advanced machine-learning vision model to adapt seamlessly to changing environments. The video offers a unique view of Atlas's vision, revealing a fisheye-like perspective with highlighted objects, showing how it identifies and interacts with items in its workspace. Engineers at Boston Dynamics explained, “There are no prescribed or teleoperated movements; all motions are generated autonomously online. The robot is able to detect and react to changes in the environment.” This capability allows Atlas to operate independently, reacting in real-time to shifting surroundings without human assistance.

 

 

Initially introduced as a humanoid designed for commercial use, Atlas is geared toward addressing “real-world applications.” In this demonstration, Atlas performs entirely on its own, following a pre-determined “list of bin locations” and autonomously completing assigned tasks. Boston Dynamics noted that this latest Atlas is fully electric, marking a departure from previous models powered by hydraulics. The electric design enables a broader, more fluid range of movement, further enhancing the robot’s potential applications in commercial and industrial environments.

 

The video has garnered mixed reactions on social media, with some users expressing fascination and others finding Atlas’s movements “creepy.” In particular, viewers remarked on Atlas’s impressive flexibility; in one scene, it rises by planting its feet behind its head, demonstrating both strength and precision in reorienting its spinal column to stand upright. This seemingly lifelike flexibility has added to the sense of awe and trepidation surrounding Boston Dynamics’ latest robot.

 

Atlas’s advancements come on the heels of Tesla’s new Optimus humanoid robot, which was showcased earlier this month by CEO Elon Musk. During the unveiling, Optimus models mingled with guests and even pulled pints, impressing onlookers with their conversational abilities, though they were controlled remotely by humans. Experts have suggested that fully autonomous humanoid robots, such as Optimus, may take another decade before they are fully integrated and functional within society.

 

As Atlas demonstrates its capabilities in controlled environments, Boston Dynamics has clearly taken a step forward in the field of autonomous robotics. While fully autonomous robots functioning in public spaces may still be years away, Boston Dynamics’ latest advancements suggest a promising and potentially transformative future for robotics in industry and beyond.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-11-01

 

 

 

[Tug]

Creepy looks like a simple task I’d be more impressed if it was doing something more complex 

[thaibeachlovers]

Fully autonomous?

If that is true, one hopes it and it's co robots will never have access to weapons.

[Imd8ta]

If it's so smart, why don't it bring the containers closer together and eliminate all the walking?

[Purdey]

These things would be better than astronauts in space. Easy to charge and less prone to physical sickness and gamma radiation.

[Peterphuket]

A little further on there is someone with a remote control.

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, Imd8ta said:

If it's so smart, why don't it bring the containers closer together and eliminate all the walking?

Humans set the work parameters. The robot would need free will to optimize its work as it sees fit. 

[Srikcir]

7 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

never have access to weapons.

I'm sure DARPA is developing robotic weapons. Ukraine is using machine gun wheeled robots to attack Russian trenches. 

[herfiehandbag]

But can it vote?

 

Who does it endorse?

[john donson]

I want to see a robot built other robots...

[quake]

6 hours ago, john donson said:

I want to see a robot built other robots...

 

That reminds me of this  movie.

The shape of things to come, for sure.

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

18 hours ago, Srikcir said:

I'm sure DARPA is developing robotic weapons. Ukraine is using machine gun wheeled robots to attack Russian trenches. 

In a crazy world the one thing we can be 100% certain about is that billions are being spent to develop autonomous fighting machines.

Humans are great at inventing new ways to kill each other- ways to live in peace and harmony not so much.