Video Atlas, the humanoid robot that has been a central part of Boston Dynamics' robotics line for nearly a decade, has been retired. In its place is, yes, the Atlas – an all-electric version designed for commercial use.
HD Atlas manipulates | Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics announced the retirement of the hydraulic version of the Atlas (HD Atlas) in a video posted yesterday with no other explanation – only to say that the venerable, highly developed bot would "kick back and relax" in retirement.
Many eagle-eyed viewers noted how special Boston Dynamics wording was in the video, which specified that the hydraulic Atlas was being retired. Speculation was rife about what would come in its place, and now we know.
A 39-second video (see below) showing the new all-electric Atlas surfaced on YouTube today, showing the robot getting up from a lying position in one of the most eerie, inhuman ways possible: by folding its legs and pushing up himself on his 360 degree rotating hips. Atlas then walks towards the camera while rotating his head, legs and torso completely before spinning them back and rolling off screen.
