Boston Dynamics, a U.S. company, announced plans to upgrade its humanoid robot with a new model designed for real-world commercial and industrial applications. The company stated that it will replace its hydraulic Atlas robot model with a fully electric Atlas robot. Boston Dynamics has been investing in humanoid robots for around 10 years and has noticed other companies entering the field during that time.
To test new applications for the Atlas model, the company is collaborating with Hyundai. The now-retired humanoid robot will be placed in the company’s lobby museum with other decommissioned robots, where people can see its impressive movement capabilities as well as some of the dramatic failures it encountered in tests. Boston Dynamics expressed gratitude for all the accomplishments made with the Atlas platform over the years.
The idea of a world where robots become more advanced can be both exciting and concerning for different people. Some view robots as dangerous technological advancements that could potentially lead to the downfall of humanity, while others believe they can bring about positive change and improvement in various industries. According to Stanford’s brief history of robotics, there have been concerns about robots becoming too advanced and losing their humanity or becoming too powerful to control. However, Boston Dynamics has a code of ethics that outlines principles such as trustworthiness, non-weaponization, and compliance with existing civil rights and privacy laws for its robots. The company is committed to ethical practices in the development and use of robotics technology.
Boston Dynamics’ efforts towards creating an advanced humanoid robot show how far technology has come in recent years. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is important for companies like Boston Dynamics to prioritize ethical practices in their work to ensure that these advancements are used responsibly and positively for society as a whole.
