After more than a decade of captivating audiences with its impressive outdoor running, awkward dancing, and acrobatic backflips, Atlas, the humanoid robot, has officially powered down and retired. Boston Dynamics, the company behind the creation of Atlas, has announced the arrival of a new generation of humanoid robots, also named Atlas, designed for real-world commercial and industrial applications.
The original Atlas, known for its hydraulic bipedal design, was used for research purposes to explore full-body mobility and push the boundaries of robotics. It was not intended for commercial use and was initially developed as part of a competition to advance the use of robots in disaster scenarios.
In a farewell video posted on social media, Boston Dynamics bid farewell to the iconic robot, highlighting its accomplishments and mishaps over the years. The video showcased Atlas taking a stroll in a grassy field, leaping on boxes, and navigating various terrains, but also captured moments of stumbling and hydraulic fluid leaks.
The new Atlas model features a leaner design with a spinning head and reversible hips, showcasing improved agility and mobility. Boston Dynamics plans to utilize the new robot in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company to enhance automotive manufacturing capabilities.
With the retirement of the original Atlas, the robot will be moved to Boston Dynamics’ “robot retirement home” in the company’s office lobby museum alongside other decommissioned robots. The legacy of Atlas, which has inspired generations of roboticists and pushed the boundaries of technology, will live on as the company continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge robotic solutions for industry challenges.
