Boston Dynamics’ new video shows that its humanoid robot doesn’t need a human

Boston Dynamics has shared another look at the latest version of its humanoid robot, Atlas. Earlier videos of the all-electric robot demonstrated its unique range of motions, but this time Atlas is shown using machine learning and its upgraded sensors to perform sorting tasks in a simulated factory environment.

The task of moving engine covers “between supplier containers and a mobile sequencing dolly” isn’t especially exciting, but it demonstrates several of the new robot’s capabilities working together. After being provided with only a “list of bin locations to move parts between,” Atlas uses various sensors and machine learning models to determine the location of bins and how it needs to manipulate its body, arms, and three-fingered hands to grasp and relocate the parts inside them.

The new Atlas is capable of completing the assigned task and reacting to environmental feedback in real time. At one point in the video a part is positioned a little too high to easily slide into one one of the sequencing dolly’s compartments. When the robot meets resistance, it removes the part and then re-evaluates its orientation and position before making an adjustment and trying again successfully.

As is also evident by the “Fully Autonomous” watermark on the video the entire time, Boston Dynamics is trying to emphasize that its latest humanoid robot can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention. A few weeks ago it was revealed that Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots that were mingling with guests and serving drinks during the company’s Cybercab reveal were mostly being controlled remotely by human operators.

As with its other robots like the four-legged Spot and the one-armed Stretch, the new Atlas may one day be more than just a platform for Boston Dynamics to demonstrate its latest and greatest technology. But that’s assuming its advanced capabilities don’t come with an outrageous price tag.