WALTHAM – Boston dynamicsThe latest robot is poised to ‘surpass human capabilities,’ the Waltham, Massachusetts-based company announced Wednesday.
The latest version of the Atlas “humanoid” robot is fully electric and is said to be “stronger, nimbler and more agile” than its hydraulic predecessor, which was recently retired.
Video shows the latest Boston Dynamics robot
Video shows the new Atlas and its lamp-like head twisting its robotic limbs to pick itself up from a mat.
“Atlas may resemble a human form factor, but we equip the robot to move in the most efficient way possible to complete a task, rather than being limited by a human range of motion,” Boston Dynamics said in a statement . “Atlas will move in ways beyond human capabilities.”
The reactions online were a mix of impressed and perhaps a little scared.
“You couldn’t make meeting our robot overlords more disturbing,” one YouTube commenter wrote.
“You guys should post where the battery locations of these units are, you know, just in case,” said another.
Able to tackle “dangerous tasks”.
Boston Dynamics says it will work with the parent company Hyundai to see what Atlas can do in the lab. The company says the robot will be used for “real-world applications,” including “boring, dirty and dangerous tasks.”
Spot, Boston Dynamics’ dog-like robot, recently made headlines for doing just that. The robot was once known for its viral dance videos received three rifle bullets and may have saved a real officer from harm after being deployed to find a suspect in a Cape Cod home, according to police.
Other police forces across the country have nevertheless added the robot dogs to their police forces “serious concerns” some say they could be used against people.
