Boston Dynamics, a US-based company, recently unveiled plans to upgrade its humanoid robot with a new model designed for real-world commercial and industrial applications. The company announced that it will be retiring its hydraulic Atlas robot and replacing it with a fully electric version. This move comes after 10 years of focusing on humanoid robots, during which time other companies have entered the field.
To test the new applications for the Atlas model, Boston Dynamics will collaborate with Hyundai. The retired Atlas robot will be placed in the company’s office lobby museum alongside other decommissioned robots. In a video released by the company, the Atlas model demonstrated its movement capabilities in various tests, including some dramatic failures. Despite these setbacks, Boston Dynamics expressed pride in their accomplishments with the Atlas platform over the years.
The advancement of robots has both excited and concerned many people about potential risks associated with highly advanced technology. To address these concerns, Boston Dynamics has published a code of ethics outlining principles such as ensuring trustworthiness, keeping robots unweaponized, and respecting civil rights and privacy laws. The company aims to create robots that are beneficial and safe for society as they continue to innovate in this rapidly changing field.