Boston Dynamics Shows Off Atlas Robot’s Progress in Vehicle Assembly | Generative ai tools for images | Generative ai in finance pdf | Introduction to generative ai google | Turtles AI

Boston Dynamics has released a video showing the progress of the Atlas humanoid robot, highlighting the challenges and technological improvements in manipulation and learning. The video previews discussions on advanced robotics at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025.

Key Points:

• Atlas learns to manipulate and sequence car parts with an electric motor system.
• Using AI simulation enabled the evolution of Atlas’ capabilities.
• Atlas’ new electric platform solves problems encountered with the hydraulic model.
• The Robotics Summit & Expo 2025 will explore real-world humanoid challenges and innovations.

Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot has taken another significant step in its technological evolution, showcasing its potential to learn and manipulate complex mechanical components in a new video. The video, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Atlas’ design and assembly, highlights the challenges and advances in controlling its motion and completing complex tasks, such as sequencing parts for vehicle assembly. In particular, the focus is on the move from a hydraulic version of Atlas, which faced challenges with stability and force management, to a new system based on servodynamic electric motors, which provides more precise control and a more responsive response to external stimuli. The technological change has helped address joint stiffness challenges that the hydraulic system could not control as well. Scott Kuindersma, senior director of robotics research at Boston Dynamics, noted that the company’s old labs were characterized by a constant thin layer of oil, a sign of the difficulty of maintenance and limitations of the hydraulic system. Today, with the adoption of electric motors, Atlas’s stability and precision in movement have improved significantly, allowing the robot to operate more safely and efficiently in dynamic environments.

Another fascinating aspect that emerges from the video is Atlas’s ability to tackle increasingly complex manipulation tasks. The robot is not limited to basic tasks, but is able to tackle more complex operations, such as sequencing parts in a component trolley, following a precise description of where the parts are located and the order in which they must be assembled. This process is made possible thanks to the use of artificial intelligence algorithms that allow the robot to understand and manage its environment, breaking down operations into simpler and more manageable subtasks. Simulation has become a crucial tool for training Atlas, allowing it to “learn” how to manipulate objects more and more efficiently, like a human learns to control their body over time. However, despite the progress, there are still many challenges to be addressed in order to improve the robot’s autonomy and precision.

The deep dive into Atlas’ capabilities comes at a crucial time as Boston Dynamics prepares to share these advances at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025. The event, which will take place in Boston from April 30 to May 1, will feature Aaron Saunders, the company’s CTO, as the keynote speaker. In his talk, Saunders will explore the challenges and opportunities of building humanoids for real-world applications, while also showcasing the progress the Boston Dynamics team has made. In parallel, a panel of experts will discuss the technological developments of humanoids, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the robotics industry. Speakers will include Pras Velagapudi of Agility Robotics and Aaron Prather of ASTM International, who will offer critical insights into the evolution of humanoids and practical applications across various industries. The summit will also be an opportunity to explore new developments from other industry players, such as Unitree and Westwood Robotics, with their respective humanoids showcased.

The evolution of Atlas is just part of a larger picture in which humanoid robots are increasingly taking on strategic roles in various sectors. Each step forward in their development brings with it not only new capabilities, but also new challenges to overcome to improve their usefulness and safety in complex environments.