Boston Dynamics has unveiled an all-electric model of its robot, Atlas, after previously announcing the discontinuation of the hydraulic version of Atlas.
The company originally developed the Atlas robot as a search and rescue robot, and says the latest models are designed for real-world use.
Boston Dynamics calls the electric robot Atlas the world's most dynamic humanoid robot.
As with many previous announcements, the company released a video of the robot in action.
After abandoning hydraulic-powered models, the company is moving full steam ahead in developing new electric models.
The company has developed a new generation of robots that offer a greater range of motion than their predecessors.
Boston Dynamics hopes the new model will prove that Atlas can maintain a human form without limiting the bipedal robot's range of motion.
The new version features a rotating joint that the company says can handle both tedious and dangerous tasks.
“We have made the electric version of the Atlas more powerful, smarter and more flexible,” the company said in a press release. “While it is prepared to allow the robot to move as efficiently as possible to complete its task, instead of doing so, Atlas can resemble a human figure because it is restricted by the human’s freedom of movement. “Atlas moves in ways that exceed human capabilities.”
Similar to bipedal robots like Tesla's Optimus Prime, the new Atlas now features longer limbs, a straighter back, and a unique head that can rotate when necessary.
There are no visible cables and its surface features a built-in light ring as well as a host of new artificial intelligence and machine learning tools from Boston Dynamics.
The company also said it is continuing to expand on features of the previous generation Atlas hydraulic model, such as the ability to lift and manipulate objects, while exploring several new variants of gripper levers to prepare the robot for a range of tasks. Different industrial environments.
Boston Dynamics said it will test the new Atlas with a small group of customers, including Hyundai, over the next few years.