Next Gen ATLAS Robot shows off its human-like capabilities

Google-owned Boston Dynamics is showing off the advanced capabilities of its “next generation” anthropomorphic robot, ATLAS, in its newly released video. The machine was designed with human-like abilities including walking and balancing on uneven ground, getting up after being pushed over, and picking up objects knocked out of its hands.

Boston Dynamics explains that ATLAS is about 5’9” tall and weighs about 180 lbs. The humanoid robot is electrically powered and includes 28 hydraulically-actuated degrees of freedom, two hands, arms, legs, feet and a torso.

The Youtube description reveals that the humanoid “uses sensors in its body and legs to balance and LIDAR and stereo sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess the terrain, help with navigation and manipulate objects.”

According to Boston Dynamics, ATLAS’ articulated sensor head includes stereo cameras and a laser range finder.

The video demonstrates ATLAS’ ability to confidently stride towards a door, open it and leave the office building. It then heads to a snowy field and can navigate across it with little challenge. The robot is able to lift 10 lb. blocks and place them on shelves, even after they have been knocked out of its hands. The video shows ATLAS has been pushed over and impressively, the robot is able to use its hydraulic arms to push itself back up once it has been knocked over. At the end, the humanoid is seen opening the office door and leaving.

Human-like robots are becoming more and more commonplace. The advanced capabilities are making them even more adept to deal with real-life situations. ATLAS joins Boston Dynamic’s range of robots

www.bostondynamics.com