Boston Dynamics Transitions to Fully Electric Atlas Humanoid Robot

Gábor Bíró • April 24, 2024

2 min read

Boston Dynamics has unveiled a new version of its Atlas humanoid robot, now fully electric, marking a significant shift away from previous hydraulic models. The new Atlas boasts advanced capabilities, including joints offering exceptional rotation (some enabling 360-degree movement), allowing for a wide range of motions that exceed human limits, potentially making it the "world's most dynamic humanoid robot".

Boston Dynamics Transitions to Fully Electric Atlas Humanoid Robot

Source: Boston Dynamics

The design of the new Atlas is sleeker and appears more user-friendly, with major components covered by casings and a distinctive ring light on its head serving as a status indicator, reminiscent of the power button found on the Spot robot production line.

The transition to a fully electric system overcomes the limitations of the hydraulic systems used in older models, such as potential leaks and restricted movement due to hydraulic lines. This change not only enhances the robot's performance but also improves its aesthetic and functional appeal. Furthermore, electric systems are generally cleaner and easier to maintain, paving the way for practical commercial applications. The new Atlas is designed to be stronger, more dexterous, and more agile than its predecessors, capable of executing complex maneuvers like cartwheels and backflips more smoothly.

Boston Dynamics has announced that the electric Atlas will begin pilot testing at Hyundai facilities next year, signaling a strategic move towards commercial deployment. This new phase in the Atlas program reflects Boston Dynamics' ongoing commitment to innovation in humanoid robotics, building on past successes and learning from the challenges associated with hydraulic models.

The introduction of the new electric Atlas comes shortly after the retirement of the hydraulic Atlas, which had been a defining figure in robotics for nearly a decade. While the hydraulic Atlas was renowned for its impressive capabilities showcased in viral videos, it is now being succeeded by this more advanced and commercially viable electric model.

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