Robotics: Boston Dynamics shows progress in development of Atlas

Almost one year after the new Atlas was unveiled, Boston Dynamics has released a video showing major progress with the new robot. This time, the company explains what Atlas can now do and why the switch from Atlas HD, with its hydraulics, was worthwhile. Atlas HD was "messy" as the developers state. The technology itself is expensive and the maintenance costs are high.

The new Atlas without hydraulics means that accidents involving the loss of hydraulic fluid, which was commonplace in Atlas HD's day, are now history. It also works faster and more efficiently overall owing to the many 360-degree movements and freedom from the limits of human movement. For example, the the robot can simply walk backwards instead of having to turn around. 

Boston Dynamics also demonstrates its commitment to making Atlas a productive robot with professional skills: In future, the robot will help in car production and be integrated directly into working environments originally designed for humans. Whether Atlas will learn the impressive feats that Atlas HD performed over the years is yet to be seen. There is still no "fun video", which is something of a tradition at Boston Dynamics. In last year's Halloween video, Atlas can be seen sorting out car parts for owner Hyundai. 

According to Boston Dynamics, data from productive use is helping to fine tune Atlas' role as a working robot. Spot and Stretch are already on the market as products. There is also the issue of artificial intelligence, which Boston Dynamics also mentions and hopes that AI will help in the development of Atlas' skillset.