Development
In October 2013 Boston Dynamics uploaded a video showing Atlas could withstand being hit by projectiles and balance on one leg.[8]
In 2014, Atlas robots programmed by six different teams competed in the DARPA Robotics Challenge to test the robot's ability to perform various tasks, including getting in and out of a vehicle and driving it, opening a door, and using a power tool. A variety of other robots also competed. The contest was inspired by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, and carries a USD 2 million prize for the winning team.[1]
In the 2015 DARPA robotics finals Atlas from IHMC Robotics (named Running Man) came second behind the Korean team Kaist and their robot DRC-Hubo by a margin of six minutes, completing the entire course in a time of 50:26.[9]
On February 23, 2016, Boston Dynamics released a video[10] of a new version Atlas robot on YouTube. The new version of Atlas is designed to operate both outdoors and inside buildings. It is specialized for mobile manipulation and is very adept at walking over a wide range of terrain, including snow, and can do back flips and cartwheels. It is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated. It uses sensors in its body and legs to balance, and it uses LIDAR and stereo sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess the terrain, help with navigation, and manipulate objects, even when the objects are being moved. This version of Atlas is 150 cm[11] tall and weighs 80 kg.[11]
On November 16, 2017, Boston Dynamics released an update video[12] of the Atlas robot to YouTube. In this video Atlas was shown jumping on boxes, turning 180 degrees while jumping and performing a backflip.
On May 10, 2018, Boston Dynamics released an update video[13] of the Atlas robot to YouTube. In this video, Atlas was shown running across the grass on uneven terrain as well as jumping over a log lying on the grass.
On October 12, 2018, Boston Dynamics released an update video of the Atlas robot to YouTube.[14] In this video, Atlas was shown running around while jumping over boxes.
On September 24, 2019, Boston Dynamics released another update video of the Atlas robot to YouTube.[15] In this video, Atlas was shown performing something akin to a floor routine in gymnastics. The robot demonstrates the ability to perform a handstand, somersaults, and rotations all in fluid succession. Boston Dynamics claims the robot was trained using "new techniques that streamline the development process".[15]
On December 29, 2020, Boston Dynamics released a music video featuring two Atlas robots, a Spot robot, and a Handle robot performing a dance routine to the song "Do You Love Me".[16]
On August 17, 2021, Boston Dynamics released a video of two Atlas robots running a parkour course with jumps, balance beams, and vaults.[17] In another video released the same day, it is mentioned that Atlas is 5 feet tall (1.5m) and weighs 190 pounds (85 kg). Atlas is battery-powered and hydraulically actuated with 20 degrees of freedom. It has RGB cameras and depth sensors which provide input to its control system. All the computation required for control perception and estimation happen in three onboard computers.[18]
On April 16, 2024, Boston Dynamics announced the retirement of Atlas on their YouTube channel.[19] A new, fully electric version of Atlas was subsequently announced on April 17, 2024 through a YouTube video, featuring a comprehensive remodel and expanded range of motion.[20]
