Meet Atlas, the most impressive and human-like robot ever built. Designed by robotic powerhouse Boston Dynamics, the Atlas bot is capable of some of mind bending things like effortlessly walking through a rugged terrain in the forest, sorting boxes with the tireless zeal that only a non-biological entity can have, or get up with a smile on its face after being pushed around by pesky researchers.
Atlas won’t probably forget being bullied with a hockey stick. That researcher has it coming some day.
Eventually, Atlas is fed up with all this crap and makes a run for it.
The new Atlas version only weighs 180 lbs, or twice as less than the previous, meatier version. Jokes aside, all this pushing around is actually good for Atlas. Its built in artificial intelligence allows it to constantly tweak its balance, grip and movements by learning from its falls and shortcomings. The old adage is more valid than ever: what doesn’t short-circuit you, makes you stronger.
“It is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated,” the company explained.
“It uses sensors in its body and legs to balance and LIDAR and stereo sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess the terrain and help with navigation.”
In December 2013, Google bought Boston Dynamics — a company that often collaborates with DARPA and is focused on building military grade robots.