Boston Dynamics, a robotics engineering firm, unveiled a new version of its Atlas robot on April 17, 2024. This all-electric android resembles a futuristic cyborg. This article will discuss Boston Dynamics and its most intriguing projects.
Opening of Boston Dynamics and first projects, including BigDog (1992-2013)
Boston Dynamics is closely linked to its founder, Marc Raibert, who began his robotics experiments in the late 1970s. He received funding to develop a jumping machine, which was realized by the Leg Laboratory in 1983. This machine could balance on a single “leg” and maintain its equilibrium when disturbed. Although the subsequent robots designed by the company were experimental and not intended for mass practical use, they offered valuable insights into the practical workings of such mechanisms.
In 1992, Mark established a company named Boston Dynamics, with DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) as its investor. The firm’s inaugural project was the four-legged robot known as BigDog, designed for transporting goods. The development of BigDog spanned 13 years.
While similar mechanisms have previously been designed for entertainment, BigDog emerged as a robot capable of practical applications. Alongside the main model, the robust AlphaDog, the compact LittleDog, and the swift WildCat were introduced. Although the latter two were not designed for cargo transport, they could serve as mobile surveillance units, such as for reconnaissance missions. Other notable robots from that era included SandFlea, capable of jumping up to 9 meters high on wheels, and the insect-inspired RiSE and RHex robots.
Despite their innovative design, the BigDog and other Boston Dynamics models were not extensively adopted by the U.S. Army. Limited payload capacity, loud engines, slow speeds, and high production costs rendered them impractical for actual combat scenarios. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense decided against funding the company, yet Boston Dynamics persisted in its robotics research.
During that period, one of Mark Raibert’s notable projects was PETMAN (Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin). Although immobile, it served an important role in testing hazmat suits. This robot laid the groundwork for the development of Atlas, which will be discussed further.
Contract with Google and first Atlas model (2013-2017)
Shortly after its separation from DARPA, Boston Dynamics was acquired by Google in a deal spearheaded by Andy Rubin, the lead developer of the Android operating system. However, Rubin soon grew disillusioned due to the prolonged development time for new robots, which clashed with management’s expectations. Consequently, he departed from the company in 2014, and a few years later, Google divested Boston Dynamics to the Japanese conglomerate Softbank.
In the interim, Boston Dynamics succeeded in launching two robots, Handle and Atlas. Handle became notable for its distinctive mode of locomotion, utilizing wheeled legs for movement, rendering it agile and capable of executing small leaps. Marc Raibert, the company’s founder, humorously dubbed it a “nightmarish mechanical beast.”
Atlas, a robot developed by Boston Dynamics, is often mistaken for an android due to its human-like appearance and movements. It is capable of lifting and dragging various loads. Moreover, Atlas can perform somersaults and parkour maneuvers.
A video circulating online shows a man being pushed, knocked down, and having the box he was holding taken away from him.
Google’s management was not pleased with that development. Furthermore, they voiced concerns that such innovations might lead to job losses in the future. However, this echoes the sentiments of the Luddites from the early 19th century, who worried that machinery would displace them from production and increase unemployment.
Working with SoftBank (2017-2020) on the four-legged robot, Spot
Spot, a four-legged robot akin to a small dog, fulfills various functions. Its development was announced in 2016, yet it only became operational in 2019. In November, the Massachusetts State Police acquired several units, employing Spot in criminal searches. Similarly, the British Army utilizes this robot for demining operations.
As of June 2020, Spot is available for purchase, and programmers have the opportunity to develop their own applications to operate on Spot.
Cooperation with Hyundai Motors (2020 to present). Stretch and the new Atlas
Softbank held ownership of Boston Dynamics for a mere three years before Hyundai Motors, the automotive behemoth, took over the controlling stake. The leadership at Hyundai planned to employ robots to streamline production processes. For such tasks, the robot Stretch is ideal, resembling a human hand and capable of autonomous movement.
Stretch is engineered to transport loads across short distances. Despite its unassuming appearance, it is outfitted with cameras, sensors, and a system for recognizing objects. Its primary use is in conveyor belt operations and truck unloading.
A more basic version of this robot is known as Pick. It carries out all of Stretch’s functions, yet it is stationary and cannot be relocated.
In April, a new version of the Atlas robot was unveiled, featuring electric components instead of hydraulic ones. This change significantly reduced the cost of the robots, potentially enabling the mass production of Atlas units, according to experts.
In the near future, this technology will be subjected to a series of tests before being implemented in Hyundai’s factories. It is highly likely that other companies will also have the chance to acquire it.
Robots today still resemble the fantastical devices seen in science fiction films. Yet, what was once considered futuristic is now becoming part of our everyday reality. While some associate robotics with films like “Terminator” and harbor fears of its rapid advancement, the integration of robotics into various sectors continues to progress.
