Boston Dynamics, a US-based company, announced plans to upgrade its humanoid robot Atlas 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 fully electric model. This move comes after the company began focusing on humanoid robots around 10 years ago, during which time it has seen other companies enter the field.
To test new applications for the Atlas model, Boston Dynamics will be collaborating with Hyundai. The retired humanoid robot will be placed in the company’s office lobby museum alongside other decommissioned robots. In a video showcasing the movement capabilities of the Atlas model, Boston Dynamics demonstrated various tests, including some dramatic failures. Despite this, they expressed pride in their accomplishments with the Atlas platform over the years.
While some people may find the advancement of robots exciting, others have concerns about potential risks associated with highly advanced technology. To address these concerns, Boston Dynamics has published a code of ethics that outlines principles such as ensuring 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.
