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Boston Dynamics confirmed off the capabilities of its electrical Atlas humanoid in a brand new video. Within the video, Atlas does eight pushups as a fast “warm-up” earlier than work. The corporate has beforehand proven the hydraulic model of Atlas performing a number of stunts, together with backflips, dances, parkour, and taking instruments by way of a mock development website.
The corporate’s development website demonstration earned it a 2024 RBR50 Innovation Award.
That is the second video Boston Dynamics has shared of the brand new Atlas. It definitely highlights the robotic’s athletic intelligence, particularly seeing Atlas go from standing upright and transitioning into pushup place with exceptional ease.
The most recent video additionally possible reveals the facility of Byston Dynamics’ new electrical actuators. The firm has stated the brand new electrical Atlas can be stronger and have a broader vary of movement than the earlier hydraulic model. Atlas has swapped out its typical three-finger grippers for a ball-like finish effector, possible making it simpler for Atlas to stability on its arms and ft.
The robotic debuted in April after the older model of Atlas was retired after 15 years of improvement. Whereas Boston Dynamics had been creating humanoids longer than just about another firm, its hydraulic Atlas was by no means meant to be a industrial product.
Atlas was a analysis platform and a chance for Boston Dynamics to see how far it may push the capabilities of legged robots. The robotic had limitations that prevented it from seeing industrial pilots, when it comes to vary of movement, measurement, and energy utilization.
Atlas retains tempo in humanoid race
Prior to now few years, nevertheless, we’ve seen humanoid builders launch industrial variations of their robots. Agility Robotics’ Digit has led the pack, securing its first paying buyer in June. The corporate signed a multi-year take care of GXO, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics supplier, to deploy Digit in varied logistics operations.
GXO can be testing Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid, which was additionally examined by Mercedes-Benz.
Amazon has examined Digit for tote-recycling duties, but it surely’s unclear the place that partnership stands. Agility plans to launch the following technology of Digit this fall. The robotic may have an elevated lifting capability and an extended battery life, the firm stated.
One other chief within the area is Determine AI, whose Determine 02 humanoid not too long ago completed its two-week pilot at a BMW Group plant in Spartanburg, S.C. In the course of the pilot, Determine 02 efficiently positioned sheet steel components into exact fittings that have been then assembled as a part of a automobile chassis. That course of required a excessive stage of dexterity.
With all the momentum behind humanoid robots, it was solely a matter of time earlier than Boston Dynamics up to date Atlas for industrial use. The corporate realized quite a few classes from commercializing Spot and Stretch. It improved management insurance policies, upgrading actuation, and minimizing joint complexity. It put all of this experience into its new product.
Boston Dynamics stated it plans to start testing the all-electric model of Atlas with mum or dad firm Hyundai and choose companions subsequent 12 months.
Taking the reins from Kengoro
In 2017, researchers from the College of Tokyo constructed a humanoid known as “Kengoro” that carried out situps, pushups, and pullups. The robotic was made up of 116 actuators and a particular porous aluminum.
This materials, and the water that circulated by way of its body, allowed the robotic to “sweat” because it carried out duties. The aluminum additionally gave Kengoro a extra regular body.
The sweating was heated water escaping as vapor by way of the aluminum. This function allowed the robotic to launch warmth from its motors because it moved, making certain it didn’t overheat.
Whereas Kengoro wasn’t as inflexible as its Boston Dynamics counterpart on the time, it was nonetheless robust sufficient to carry its physique weight. It additionally had a versatile backbone, permitting it to carry out the sit-up and push-up motions. Whereas the researchers have been displaying off their robotic’s potential to maintain its cool, Boston Dynamics possible had a distinct purpose in thoughts.
Editor’s word: The Robotic Report reached out to Boston Dynamics for touch upon the video. If we study extra, we’ll replace this story.
