Boston Dynamics' Atlas Robot Executes Autonomous Automotive Parts Picking (techcrunch.com)

(Wednesday October 30, 2024 @11:30PM (BeauHD) from the they-grow-up-so-fast dept.)

In a [1]new video published today, Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot Atlas is [2]shown moving engine parts between bins without any human assistance. TechCrunch reports:

> Boston Dynamics is quick to note that the actions are being performed autonomously, without "prescribed or teleoperated movements." [...] Boston Dynamics notes, "The robot is able to detect and react to changes in the environment (e.g., moving fixtures) and action failures (e.g., failure to insert the cover, tripping, environment collision) using a combination of vision, force, and proprioceptive sensors."

>

> In addition to the autonomously executed tasks, the video showcases impressive adaptive -- and strong -- actuators, as the robot pivots at its waist. The action minimizes movements, saving precious seconds in the process.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_7IPm7f1vI

[2] https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/30/boston-dynamics-electric-atlas-humanoid-executes-autonomous-automotive-parts-picking/

This isn't a bad thing... (Score:2)

by ctilsie242 ( 4841247 )

At the minimum, this might reduce RSI/carpal tunnel issues with people. Having a robot handle the monotony of handling a box of parts and be able to do something with them is a good thing. The video included is good, but not too far off from what a tape robot already does in a tape autochanger... grip the tape, move it from one slot to another, although moving stuff and turning it 90 degrees 100% optically is a definite advance.

I'm all for parts picking robots. The less stuff that tears peoples' muscles

Robot Lego Grand Challenge (TM) (Score:2)

by will4 ( 7250692 )

Hereby find the Robot Lego Grand Challenge (TM)

Stipulations:

1) Robot has to be autonomous and not remote controlled

2) Robot has to build a Lego Death Start model from a 4 foot x 4 foot box of individual Lego pieces

3) Lego pieces are not sorted, pre-built and are in a random pile in the box

4) Robot can be given a list of parts, and an order to build them, and the location where each part goes

5) Entire process must be filmed from multiple angles

Win condition: A fully built Lego Death Star

Hopefully it is fenced off (Score:3)

by iAmWaySmarterThanYou ( 10095012 )

Regular robots have killed people semi regularly for many years in industrial environments. The last thing anyone needs it is getting confused and going outside its workspace to smash, tear apart or roll over someone walking by.

AI (Score:2)

by labnet ( 457441 )

As great as Boston Dynamics has been, most of their algorithms seem to have been developed using traditional control system theory.

I wonder now that AI models can pre train themselves in their own physics world, whether some upstart will eat Boston Dynamics lunch with a robor based on neural net reinforcement training models?

Not On The Front Lines (Score:2)

by Arzaboa ( 2804779 )

Boston Dynamics keeps talking about not putting weapons in these things hands and setting them loose on the battlefield.

Nothing says they can't and won't be building missiles, or parts enough so two guys can screw them together in 10 minutes.

In this bright future you can't forget your past. - Bob Marley