Atlas shrugged: Boston Dynamics retires its hydraulic humanoid robot | TechCrunch

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Boston Dynamics' decision to retire its humanoid robot, Atlas, and the implications of this move for the company's future direction.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Boston Dynamics' Retirement of Atlas

1. Why is Boston Dynamics retiring the Atlas humanoid robot?

• The article suggests that the retirement of Atlas is less about ending the project and more about Boston Dynamics' focus on commercializing its technologies and exploring new directions.
• The company has been focused on commercialization in recent years, especially after Hyundai's acquisition of Boston Dynamics in 2021 and the appointment of a new CEO.
• The article speculates that Boston Dynamics may be exploring the commercial humanoid robot category, given the growing interest in companies like Agility, Figure, 1X, and Apptronik.
• While Atlas has been a pioneering humanoid robot, certain aspects of its technology, such as the hydraulics, may be considered outdated by contemporary robotics standards.

2. How has the development of the Atlas robot progressed over the years?

• Atlas was first developed by Boston Dynamics in collaboration with DARPA, and its debut marked it as one of the most advanced humanoid robots at the time.
• The robot has undergone significant advancements in locomotion and capabilities over the past decade, as evidenced by Boston Dynamics' continued research and promotional efforts.
• However, the article notes that the robot's hydraulics are now considered antiquated compared to more recent developments in the field of robotics.

3. What was the significance of Boston Dynamics' recent "Atlas Struts" video?

• The "Atlas Struts" video, released in February 2023, showcased the robot's capabilities, including new perception and grasping features that seemed designed for potential industrial applications.
• Given Hyundai's ownership of Boston Dynamics, the article suggests that an eventual Atlas descendant could potentially be used to assist in the manufacturing of future cars.

[02] Boston Dynamics' Future Direction

1. What does the retirement of Atlas suggest about Boston Dynamics' future plans?

• The article suggests that the retirement of Atlas is less about ending the project and more about Boston Dynamics' focus on new beginnings and exploring new directions.
• The company's recent commercialization efforts, the Hyundai acquisition, and the appointment of a new CEO indicate that Boston Dynamics is likely exploring the commercial humanoid robot market, which has seen significant interest and investment from other companies.
• The article speculates that Boston Dynamics may be developing a new generation of humanoid robots to replace or build upon the legacy of Atlas.