Atlas can already dance and perform acrobatics, but like other humanoids, he lacks the intelligence needed to understand his surroundings, make sophisticated decisions, and manipulate unknown objects with his hands. This may begin to change with the addition of an advanced AI model like Gemini, although it is unclear how robots will match the adaptability and subtleties of human manual dexterity.
“The real value for the future will be that our robots will be aware of the context of their surroundings and will be able to use their hands to manipulate any object,” Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, told WIRED ahead of today’s announcement. “We believe that manufacturing environments such as Hyundai factories are the ideal place to implement this solution today.”
For decades, Boston Dynamics has pioneered the development of advanced robots, including humanoids and four-legged systems tested by the military as a way to carry supplies over rugged terrain. In 2013, the company was sold to Google, and in 2017 it was bought by SoftBank. In 2021, Hyundai acquired a controlling stake.
In recent years, advances in motors, batteries, sensors and other components have made it easier for startups and other companies to compete in the robotics space. More than a dozen companies in the USA, including: Agile robotics, AI drawing, Apptronic, 1Xand Tesla are working on humanoid systems. Overseas, the competition is even fiercer, with about 200 Chinese companies developing humanoid systems, according to CMRAChinese industry association.
Many AI companies are turning their attention to robotics, believing that AI models require a deeper understanding of the physical world to achieve human intelligence. OpenAI is said to be developing humanoids. Tesla showed a humanoid named Optimus. Several startups are also working on models designed so that robots can quickly perform various physical tasks. Some hope to deploy human-like robots as home helpers, despite their current limitations.