Boston Dynamics, a U.S. company, has announced plans to upgrade its humanoid robot with a new model that is designed for real-world commercial and industrial applications. The company will be retiring its hydraulic Atlas robot and replacing it with a new fully electric model. This move comes after ten years of focusing on humanoid robots, during which time other companies have entered the field.
The now-retired humanoid robot will be placed in the company’s office lobby museum alongside other decommissioned robots. Boston Dynamics released a video showcasing the movement capabilities of the Atlas model in various tests, including some dramatic failures. The company expressed pride in the accomplishments they have achieved with the Atlas platform over the years.
While some may find the advancement of robots exciting, others have concerns about the potential risks associated with highly advanced technology. Boston Dynamics has published a code of ethics that outlines principles such as ensuring the trustworthiness of their robots, keeping them unweaponized, and respecting civil rights and privacy laws. The company aims to create robots that are beneficial and safe for society.
Boston Dynamics has been at the forefront of robotics research and development for many years now. They began focusing on humanoid robots around 10 years ago, and have seen other companies enter the field during that time. However, this latest announcement marks a significant shift in their approach to robotics, as they move away from hydraulic systems to fully electric models.
The new electric Atlas model is designed to perform real-world commercial and industrial tasks, such as warehouse operations or search and rescue missions. Boston Dynamics is collaborating with Hyundai to test new applications for the Atlas model and explore its full potential.
As with any technological advancement, there are always concerns about potential risks associated with highly advanced robots. However, Boston Dynamics has taken steps to address these concerns by publishing a code of ethics that outlines principles such as ensuring trustworthiness and respecting civil rights and privacy laws.
In conclusion, Boston Dynamics’ decision to upgrade its humanoid robot marks an exciting new chapter in their mission to create robots that are both beneficial and safe for society. With their focus on real-world commercial and industrial applications, they continue to push boundaries in robotics research and development.