The folks at Boston Dynamics shook up the robotics world this week by announcing the retirement of the hydraulic version of their Atlas robot, which we have closely observed on several occasions. However, that news made room for the arrival of the new and updated Atlas with an electric design. Its humanoid format has not gone anywhere, but the company decided to significantly expand the robot's movement capabilities, prioritizing efficiency over "human parameters" of action and movement. In other words... Regan MacNeil.
Many people wonder why robot developers insist on the "humanoid form", considering all its limitations and difficulties. First, it is expected that these robots can work and operate in "human environments", move their objects and use their tools. A tracked system with the right design climbs stairs without difficulty, and some animals have mastered them completely, but stairs (like many other things) are designed "for us", and any robot seeking to succeed in an industrial space will have to adapt to that.
And second, the humanoid form can be optimized at various levels without sacrificing its basic characteristics. If you're not convinced, well... take a look at Boston Dynamics' new electric Atlas:
The "electric era" of Atlas
The company says the new robot was optimized to increase its strength, dexterity, and agility. The humanoid essence remains intact, but its range and flexibility limitations have been left in the background, and Atlas will always move in a way that "exceed[s] human capability".
The demo shown in the video is striking: Ten years ago, a robot of that size would never have gotten up from that position on its own. Instead, the electric Atlas enters "Exorcist mode", twisting and coiling its legs, only to finish the move with a 180-degree rotation of its head and torso. Its new "face" with the light ring begs for a smiley, but most importantly, there are no dangling cables or exposed sleeves: Everything that makes up the new Atlas is contained in its chassis.
Logically, the robot will face a long round of evaluations, which will begin at Hyundai's facilities (the current owner of Boston Dynamics). The automotive industry closely follows robotics advances, and it is likely that Atlas will become a fundamental piece for its future development.
Official announcement: Click here
