After just eight years of performing flips for internet fame, the Boston Dynamics humanoid robot Atlas is retiring. But fear not (or maybe do, if you worry about the rise of the robot revolution), because the robotics company already has a successor in mind: an electric-powered Atlas that it intends to market and sell.
In addition to its eerie floor-rise abilities, the new Atlas boasts impressive strength, capable of lifting objects too heavy for the average person, including its predecessor, the hydraulic version. Moreover, it exhibits extraordinary flexibility beyond human capacity. For instance, its knees can swivel backward, and its torso can execute a full 360-degree rotation.
While the original Atlas was initially designed for search and rescue missions, the company’s vision for the bot has evolved. Now, they see the robot efficiently maneuvering through warehouses, transporting oddly shaped and heavy items with ease and speed.
In the near future… Boston Dynamics plans to commence testing the new Atlas in Hyundai’s factories next year. Unlike its predecessor, this version will be commercially available, with the company aiming to introduce it to other manufacturers in the coming years. Meanwhile, companies like BMW and Amazon are also exploring humanoid robots for warehouse operations, signaling a broader trend towards automation in the industry.
