The new version of Atlas is able to bend down and pick things up. Image Credit: YouTube / Boston Dynamics
The latest incarnation of the eerily human-like robot looks about ready to start taking over the world.
Google-owned Boston Dynamics is certainly no stranger to building robots having already impressed with its line of quadrapedal 'Big Dog' robots designed to carry heavy loads over uneven terrain.
The previous iteration of its bipedal Atlas robot on the other hand had suffered from balance issues and an inability to recover after falling down - something that became readily apparent during its appearance at the recent 'robolympics' where it repeatedly fell over during the trials.
Not to be deterred, the Boston Dynamics team has since been hard at work improving the robot and now, several months on, they have finally revealed their new and improved design.
The new robot now comes equipped with the ability to stand up by itself if it falls down and is a lot better at traversing uneven terrain. It is also able to pick up objects and can even open doors.
"It is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated," the company wrote. "It uses sensors in its body and legs to balance and LIDAR and stereo sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess the terrain, help with navigation and manipulate objects."
A recently released video demonstrating the robot's abilities can be viewed below.
Still not seeing the proof someone is not controlling it. That it is thinking for itself and making it's own decisions independent of someone behind the curtain pulling the strings via wi-fi.
Still not seeing the proof someone is not controlling it. That it is thinking for itself and making it's own decisions independent of someone behind the curtain pulling the strings via wi-fi. well I gave you links to its homepage and even a wiki, both state autonomous..... but hey thats not to say he hasnt had a shedload of pre programming... Give these things time and they could well have a huge A-I, now thats the scary part, not running and walking, which, as I showed in the above vids, even kid size robot TOYS can do
Now seeder, you know full well that around here youtube videos and wiki links mean jack squat when it comes to proving or even being evidence of anything. I want to believe, but there is not yet any proof Asimo is all it is touted to be.
Now seeder, you know full well that around here youtube videos and wiki links mean jack squat when it comes to proving or even being evidence of anything. I want to believe, but there is not yet any proof Asimo is all it is touted to be. Ok heres a lousy robot vacuum cleaner No-one drives it, it navigates and avoids obstacles and does its job....and its just....JUST... a vacuum cleaner
Okay, I can see the connection there. It's simply running more complicated programs. And I figured out how it is being controlled - someone is always telling it what to do. duh. I wonder if how much longer until an AI like "Jewel" will be plugged into something like Asimo.
Okay, I can see the connection there. It's simply running more complicated programs. And I figured out how it is being controlled - someone is always telling it what to do. duh. I wonder if how much longer until an AI like "Jewel" will be plugged into something like Asimo. look at this TOY
The difference between ASIMO and Atlas is that the ASIMO is designed for a refined urban environment. It can serve drinks and maybe walk the dog. Atlas can be kicked at and pushed and whacked with a broom, and it doesn't fall down. It is a lot faster and maneuverable then ASIMO. Both are great robots for the environments they are designed for.
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