Atlas robot is already doing autonomous work - and the twist
"Atlas uses a machine learning (ML) vision model to detect and localize the environment ... There are no prescribed or teleoperated movements; all motions are generated autonomously online. The robot is able to detect and react to changes in the environment (e.g., moving fixtures) and action failures (e.g., failure to insert the cover, tripping, environment collisions) using a combination of vision, force, and proprioceptive sensors."
That's part of how Boston Dynamics described its latest video released today that you're about to watch.
Yes, Boston Dynamics' all-electric new Atlas robot is already capable of doing some useful pick up/put-down style jobs entirely autonomously – and the remarkable swivel-jointed robot is wonderfully bizarre to watch. We've already seen Atlas do some weird stuff in the short reveal video from April, but this one takes the cake.
Boston Dynamics failed to warn viewers that they may experience nightmares after watching Atlas "doing work" for nearly three minutes. The way in which Atlas moves inspires memories of watching Linda Blair from The Exorcist spin her head 'round-n-'round before spider-walking down the stairs.
I even hit rewind no less than three times at the "jump-scare" in the video. Given it's the day before Halloween, maybe it's entirely acceptable to give your fans a bit of a fright.
No matter... Atlas' new video is ridiculously cool, and the inhuman way it twists its torso, neck, hip and shoulder joints isn't just for freak-show points. Watching the robot 'work' here, as well as the way it lifts itself off the ground in the launch video below, makes it clear that this is a clever and efficient way to move.