The tech wizards at Boston Dynamics are continuing to refine the physical abilities of its Atlas humanoid robot.
A new video (above) released by the Massachusetts-based company kicks off with Atlas performing a cartwheel followed by a backflip, which it achieves with astonishing precision.
But then, in a series of clips that bring some refreshing transparency to such proceedings, Boston Dynamics shows Atlas failing to complete the same move, finishing up in a crumpled heap on the ground.
It also shows the robot trying to run before it trips and keels over — to much laughter from the team testing it out.
Finally, the video shows the latest version of Atlas, performing various jumps, and running and walking, with absolute ease.
The most remarkable effort, however, comes at the 1:06 mark. While the backflip itself isn’t perfect, it demonstrates the robot’s impressive ability to quickly correct itself when it lands awkwardly, moving in a way that gymnasts might if they made the same kind of landing.
The Boston Dynamics roboticists have been working with experts at the Robotics and AI Institute to perfect the robot’s full-body control and mobility.
The long-term goal is to put Atlas in workplace settings like factories and warehouses, and while gymnastics ability is unlikely to be a job requirement for such positions, this latest video does at least show the robot’s ability to move with excellent balance and coordination, and also responsiveness — traits that will be useful for adapting to complex or changing environments.
A previous Boston Dynamics video showed Atlas deploying AI and machine learning smarts to perform various workplace tasks, including competent handling and sorting of engine covers between containers. No teleoperation was involved, with the robot acting autonomously to complete the tasks.
And just recently, Boston Dynamics revealed that in the coming years, the Atlas humanoid robot will help to assemble vehicles at a U.S. facility operated by Hyundai, its main backer.