Humanoid Robot Atlas: I Challenged It To Parkour and Other Tasks!

My Encounter with Boston Dynamics' Atlas Robot



I've been fascinated by robots for as long as I can remember, so when I heard about Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, I was immediately intrigued. Atlas is a humanoid robot that's known for its impressive parkour abilities and throwing skills. For months, I've been trying to find a way to interact with Atlas, and finally, through a community effort, I was able to make it happen.


I was amazed by Atlas's technology. It has three computers inside its torso, each equivalent to a beefy laptop. Its brain is located in its chest, which I found surprising. Atlas is also built to be about the height of an average American 12-year-old, making it more relatable and endearing.


I was curious about why human-shaped robots are being developed, especially since robots can already perform tasks that are unsafe or repetitive for humans. The speaker explained that legs for robots allow for greater accessibility and the ability to navigate uncertain terrain. He also raised the possibility of robots having tails, wings, or other human-like features, but acknowledged the need for practical considerations when designing these features.


One of the most interesting things I learned from this video is the importance of testing robots in unpredictable environments. The speaker shared an example of a YouTuber who came to shove them over. While they were able to push back, Atlas won the round. This highlights the importance of testing robots in adapting to unexpected changes.


I was also impressed by Atlas's throwing abilities. The speaker revealed that Atlas's movements have been pre-planned by a human engineer, and that the robot must calculate how to grab and throw the bag while jumping and turning 180 degrees. This highlights Atlas's computational capabilities and the difficulty of human-like movement in a robot.



Overall, I was fascinated by my encounter with Atlas. It's an incredible piece of technology, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for robotics. I also appreciate the speaker's discussion of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of robots. It's important to have these conversations as we continue to develop and deploy these technologies.


5 Questions and Answers About Boston Dynamics' Atlas Robot


I recently had the opportunity to watch a video about Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot. Atlas is an impressive humanoid robot that can perform parkour, throw objects, and even do backflips. I was fascinated by the video and decided to do some more research on Atlas. Here are 5 questions and answers about this amazing robot:


1. What is Atlas capable of?


Atlas is a very versatile robot that can perform a wide range of tasks. It is best known for its parkour abilities, but it can also walk, run, jump, throw objects, and even do backflips. Atlas is also able to perceive its surroundings and make decisions about how to move based on the information it gathers.


2. How does Atlas work?


Atlas is powered by three computers that are located in its torso. These computers control its movements and allow it to perceive its surroundings. Atlas also has a variety of sensors that help it to understand its environment, including cameras, lidar, and microphones.


3. What are the benefits of using Atlas?


Atlas has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and healthcare. It could also be used in industrial settings to perform tasks that are dangerous or repetitive for humans.


4. Are there any ethical concerns about using Atlas?


Some people have raised concerns about the potential for Atlas to be used for military or law enforcement purposes. Others have expressed concerns about the possibility of robots becoming too advanced and eventually taking over the world.


5. What is the future of Atlas?


Boston Dynamics is continuing to develop Atlas, and it is likely that the robot will become even more capable in the years to come. It is also possible that Atlas will become commercially available at some point in the future.


I believe that robots like Atlas have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. They could help us to solve some of our most pressing challenges, such as climate change and poverty. However, it is important to use robots responsibly and to ensure that they do not harm humans.