Boston Dynamics retires Atlas humanoid robot

Boston Dynamics has announced it will discontinue use of its hydraulic humanoid robot. The resignation of Atlas is connected not so much with the end of the project, but with the new beginnings of the company.

Over the past ten years, Boston Dynamics has become famous for its achievements in the field of robotics, especially with its bipedal humanoid robot, which has been used extensively for research and advertising purposes. However, today marks the end of the road for the robot. While many of its locomotion capabilities are still impressive, some components, such as hydraulics, no longer meet modern robotics requirements.

“Atlas was one of the most advanced humanoid robots ever created when it debuted, but it was essentially a physical shell for the software the teams developed.”

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Interestingly, back in February, Boston Dynamics continued to demonstrate the Atlas' capabilities. Moreover, the company hinted at the commercialization of the project by releasing a video called “Atlas Struts.” The description of the video said: “Do not trip up the Atlas! Our humanoid robot is prepared for real work by combining strength, perception and mobility."

The video showcased some fascinating uses of augmented reality and a new gripping mechanism designed specifically for use in manufacturing. Considering the company is owned by Hyundai, it's not hard to imagine improved versions of Atlas' humanoid robots helping in car production.

At the same time, Boston Dynamics presented a video containing the best moments of the Atlas, including the most spectacular crashes. This is the last video dedicated to this hydraulic humanoid robot.