Boston Dynamics is advancing its Atlas humanoid robot toward mass production after extensive development phases, including viral dance routines. The firm reports that the completed commercial edition is currently in assembly, with early adopters including Hyundai, its controlling investor, and Google DeepMind, a fresh AI collaborator.
Boston Dynamics describes this business-oriented Atlas variant as capable of executing numerous factory functions, emphasizing dependable and stable operation. The unit functions on its own, under remote supervision, or using a tablet for guidance, while offering impressive strength and toughness. Key specs include an arm extension of 7.5 feet, a lifting capacity of 110 pounds, and functionality across temperatures from -4°F to 104°F. 'This stands as our finest robotic creation to date,' noted CEO Robert Playter in the unveiling statement. 'Atlas promises to reshape manufacturing practices and signifies the opening chapter of a lifelong ambition we've cherished from our youth.'
The organization has presented prototypes of its humanoid machines to the public since 2011, launching Atlas through a DARPA-funded effort. Subsequent evolutions involved various models and enhancements, highlighted by the 2024 transition from hydraulic to fully electric systems. In the latter half of that year, showcases featured the robot handling vehicle components, pointing to an initial practical use case.
Hyundai aims to integrate Atlas into its vehicle manufacturing sites by 2028, beginning with operations like organizing supplies. The automaker expects to broaden the robot's duties to part integration by 2030, progressively incorporating routine movements, substantial payloads, and demanding procedures, per Hyundai's outline. On the other side, Google DeepMind is obtaining Atlas models to fuse its Gemini Robotics AI frameworks with Boston Dynamics' architecture.