Known as Atlas and developed by Boston Dynamics, it’s been the Internet’s favorite robot for years: it’s done backflips at CES and entertained fans at the FIFA World Cup. But these tricks don’t pay the company’s bills. And that’s why Boston Dynamics and Hyundai Motor Group now want Atlas to swap the stage for the factory floor.
AI has changed the way Atlas acquires new skills. Instead of programming every movement, Boston Dynamics now trains the robot in much the same way a new employee is trained. Atlas runs on two independent systems. One lets it stay stable on its feet and reach for objects, while the other helps it understand the world and carry out multi-step instructions.
A robot that wants to make it into factories all over the world
Like AI chatbots, Atlas gets better as it accumulates more data, but that data still hasn’t been collected. Right now, it’s practicing automotive-related tasks at the Robotics MetaPlant Application Center before making the leap to real factories. Auto plants have strict safety and reliability standards, which makes them an ideal testing ground.
This version of Atlas is designed for heavy-duty industrial work. It can carry very heavy loads and handle blistering, unforgiving work environments, which makes it ideal for manufacturing, food and beverage, and semiconductor plants. So for now, don’t expect it to fold your clean laundry.
Hyundai’s backing is what makes the numbers add up. Hyundai Motor Group is building a new factory in the U.S. with the capacity to produce 30,000 robots a year, and plans to put 25,000 Atlas units into operation. According to Boston Dynamics, the collaboration has already cut costs by between 60% and 80% from the prototype to the first production run. Does the future belong to robots?
Author: Chema Carvajal Sarabia
{
"de-DE": "Journalist, spezialisiert auf Technologie, Unterhaltung und Videospiele. Über das zu schreiben, was mich begeistert (Gadgets, Spiele und Filme), ermöglicht es mir, bei Verstand zu bleiben und mit einem Lächeln im Gesicht aufzuwachen, wenn der Wecker klingelt. PS: Das stimmt nicht 100% der Zeit.",
"en-US": "Journalist specialized in technology, entertainment and video games. Writing about what I'm passionate about (gadgets, games and movies) allows me to stay sane and wake up with a smile on my face when the alarm clock goes off. PS: this is not true 100% of the time.",
"es-ES": "Content Manager - Periodista especializado en tecnología, entretenimiento y videojuegos. Escribir sobre lo que me apasiona (cacharros, juegos y cine) me permite seguir cuerdo y despertarme con una sonrisa cuando suena el despertador. PD: esto no es cierto el 100 % de las veces.",
"fr-FR": "Journaliste spécialisé dans la technologie, le divertissement et les jeux vidéo. Écrire sur ce qui me passionne (gadgets, jeux et films) me permet de rester sain d'esprit et de me réveiller avec le sourire aux lèvres quand le réveil sonne. PS : cela n'est pas vrai 100 % du temps.",
"it-IT": "Giornalista specializzato in tecnologia, intrattenimento e videogiochi. Scrivere di ciò che mi appassiona (gadget, giochi e film) mi permette di mantenere la sanità mentale e di svegliarmi con un sorriso sul viso quando suona la sveglia. PS: questo non è vero al 100% del tempo.",
"ja-JP": "",
"nl-NL": "",
"pl-PL": "",
"pt-BR": "Jornalista especializado em tecnologia, entretenimento e videogames. Escrever sobre o que me apaixona (gadgets, jogos e filmes) me permite manter a sanidade e acordar com um sorriso no rosto quando o despertador toca. PS: isso não é verdade 100% do tempo.",
"social": {
"email": "chemacs91@gmail.com",
"facebook": "",
"twitter": "https://twitter.com/chematopetazo",
"linkedin": ""
}
}
View all posts by Chema Carvajal Sarabia
