Boston Dynamics, a robotics firm owned by Hyundai, has officially retired its hydraulic humanoid robot, Atlas. This decision comes at a time when humanoid robots are gaining significant attention in the industry, and funding is pouring into the category by the hundreds of millions.
Atlas, which debuted 10 years ago, was one of the most advanced humanoid robots ever built at the time. The robot was developed in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and was heavily incorporated into the challenges of the era. The robot’s debut marked a significant milestone in the evolution of humanoid robotics.
Despite its retirement, Atlas’ contributions to the field of robotics cannot be understated. Over the past decade, the robot has made significant strides in locomotion and continues to impress with its advances. However, certain aspects of Atlas, such as its hydraulics, are now considered antiquated by contemporary robotics standards.
Interestingly, as recently as February, Boston Dynamics was still showcasing Atlas’ capabilities. The company even seemed to hint at commercializing the project with the release of a video showcasing augmented reality perception tricks and a new grasper designed for work on the factory floor.
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