Boston Dynamics, a U.S. company, announced plans to upgrade its humanoid robot with a new model designed for real-world commercial and industrial applications. The company stated that it will be retiring its hydraulic Atlas robot and replacing it with a new fully electric model. Boston Dynamics began focusing on humanoid robots around 10 years ago and has seen other companies enter the field during that time.
Boston Dynamics is collaborating with Hyundai to test new applications for the Atlas model. The now-retired humanoid robot will be placed in the company’s office lobby museum with other decommissioned robots. Boston Dynamics released a video showcasing the movement capabilities of the Atlas model in various tests, including some dramatic failures.
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.
The new fully electric model is expected to bring significant improvements in terms of speed, agility, and endurance compared to its hydraulic predecessor. The announcement marks a milestone in the development of humanoid robots that can perform complex tasks in real-world settings.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in developing robots that can interact with humans in various industries such as healthcare, education, and hospitality. With this new model, Boston Dynamics is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging market.
However, there are also concerns about job displacement due to automation. Some experts predict that humanoid robots could replace up to 50% of jobs worldwide by 2030.
Despite these concerns, Boston Dynamics remains committed to creating robots that can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. They believe that by working closely with humans and integrating their feedback into their designs, they can create machines that complement human skills while improving productivity and efficiency across various industries.
Overall, the announcement marks an exciting moment for Boston Dynamics as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics technology.