Humanoid robot atlas

Boston Dynamics' Atlas is an advanced humanoid robot capable of complex moves like backflips and running, used in bipedal locomotion research.

About this subject

Atlas is a humanoid robot developed by American company Boston Dynamics, originally funded by DARPA. Its first version was introduced in 2013, but it has undergone significant upgrades since then. The current model, Atlas HD, stands 1.5 meters tall and weighs about 80 kilograms. It is equipped with LIDAR sensors and stereo cameras for environmental perception, as well as hydraulic actuators that enable fast and precise movements.

One of Atlas's most striking features is its acrobatic capability. In videos released by Boston Dynamics, the robot performs backflips, 180-degree spins during jumps, and even a series of parkour-like moves. These abilities result from advanced control and motion planning algorithms that allow the robot to balance dynamically even on uneven surfaces or during high impacts.

Atlas is not commercially sold; its main purpose is as a research platform for humanoid robotics development. Engineers and scientists use the robot to test algorithms for locomotion, manipulation, and interaction with the environment. Boston Dynamics states that Atlas could be used in search and rescue missions, but so far no commercial applications outside the lab exist.

In 2024, Boston Dynamics announced it would retire the hydraulic Atlas model to focus on a new fully electric version called Atlas Electric. This transition aims to make the robot more suitable for real-world applications, with greater energy efficiency and less noise. The electric Atlas is still under development but promises to maintain the same level of agility and versatility as its predecessor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Atlas robot be purchased?

No, Atlas is not available for commercial sale. It is used exclusively as a research platform by Boston Dynamics and academic partners.

What are the height and weight of Atlas?

Atlas HD is approximately 1.5 meters tall and weighs about 80 kilograms.

Does Atlas run on batteries or hydraulics?

The current model uses hydraulic actuators powered by a 3.7 kWh battery. Boston Dynamics is developing a fully electric version to replace it.