Image via Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics launches robo-dog Spot but humanoid Atlas steals the show
US robotics firm Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot masters gymnastic routines while the company launched the robotic dog Spot for the first time.
Image via Boston Dynamics
Spot, Boston Dynamics’ groundbreaking robotic dog, is finally on sale. Spot’s launch was announced with the release of an advert which highlights the robot’s technical specifications and selling points.
See Spot run
According to the ad, Spot can run for 90 minutes on one battery charger and can carry up to 14 kilograms while doing so. In addition, the robotic dog can work in conditions ranging between -20 and 45 degrees Celcius.
The fact that Spot is also water and dust resistant, makes him ideal for construction sites. In fact, Boston Dynamics highlighted the industrial implications for Spot by saying:
“Early customers are already testing Spot to monitor construction sites, provide remote inspection at gas, oil and power installations, and in public safety.”
Watch: Spot launch ad
While Cirque du Soleil is investigating possible uses for Spot in the entertainment industry, several police departments are exploring whether the advanced robo-dog could be adapted for “bomb disposal purposes.”
How much does Spot cost?
Unfortunately, the robotic pooch doesn’t come with a price tag just yet. We’re assuming it’s a case of, if you’re asking about Spot’s worth, you probably can’t afford him right now.
Keep in mind that Spot has programmable AI (artificial intelligence), cameras which enable 360-degree obstacle avoidance, a swappable battery and can rectify itself if it falls over. Some models are even equipped to open doors.
Watch: One Spot opening the door for another Spot
World, meet Atlas!
If that isn’t enough to blow your mind, meet Atlas – a humanoid robot capable of an impressive parkour and gymnastics routine. In the latest video, Atlas can be seen performing a complex routine without skipping a beat.
Atlas’ most impressive feature is the cohesion of his movements. The robot – capable of doing somersaults, handstands, 360-degree spinning jumps and split leaps – is a research robot and not available to purchase yet.
According to Boston Dynamics, Atlas uses its whole body to “perform a sequence of dynamic manoeuvres that form a gymnastic routine”. The robotic firm added:
“We created the manoeuvres using new techniques that streamline the development process. First, an optimization algorithm transforms high-level descriptions of each manoeuvre into dynamically-feasible reference motions.”
Watch: Parkour Atlas
Atlas is capable of tracking motion by means of a “model predictive controller that smoothly blends from one manoeuvres to the next”. Using this new method, Atlas has a performance success rate of approximately 80%.
If Boston Dynamics has taught us anything, it is that Joe Rogan is probably right and we should be afraid. Very afraid. Or, like me, welcome the rise of our robotic overlords.
