Boston Dynamics has just released footage of the machine’s latest trick, and viewers are both impressed and concerned.
As well as being able to jump from block to block and turn 180-degrees in mid-air, Atlas can do a backflip and land securely on its feet.
Like a human, it even lifts its arms in the air as if to celebrate, though this may also help it balance.
However, as the final part of the clip shows, it can’t always pull the move off successfully.
“Atlas’ control system coordinates motions of the arms, torso and legs to achieve whole-body mobile manipulation, greatly expanding its reach and workspace,” says Boston Dynamics.
“Atlas’ ability to balance while performing tasks allows it to work in a large volume while occupying only a small footprint.
“The Atlas hardware takes advantage of 3D printing to save weight and space, resulting in a remarkable compact robot with high strength-to-weight ratio and a dramatically large workspace.
“Stereo vision, range sensing and other sensors give Atlas the ability to manipulate objects in its environment and to travel on rough terrain.”
Atlas stands at 1.5m tall, weighs 75kg and has 28 joints in its body.
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