The task of moving engine covers “between supplier bins and a mobile sequencing cart” isn’t particularly exciting, but it demonstrates the collaboration of several of the new robot’s capabilities. After simply being provided with a “list of container locations to move parts around,” Atlas uses various sensors and machine learning models to determine the position of the containers and how to manipulate his body, arms, and three-fingered hands, to grab them, move the pieces inside.
The new Atlas is capable of completing the assigned task and responding to environmental feedback in real time. At one point in the video, a part is positioned a little too high to easily slide into one of the compartments of the sequencing cart. If the robot encounters resistance, it removes the part and then reassesses its orientation and position before making an adjustment and trying again successfully.
As the “Fully Autonomous” watermark on the video makes clear throughout, Boston Dynamics is trying to emphasize that its latest humanoid robot can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention. A few weeks ago, it was revealed that Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots, which mingled with guests and served drinks during the company's Cybercab unveiling, were largely controlled remotely by human operators.
Like its other robots like the four-legged Spot and the one-armed Stretch, the new Atlas could one day be more than just a platform for Boston Dynamics to demonstrate its latest and greatest technology. However, this is assuming that the advanced features don't come with an outrageous price tag.