Boston Dynamics: Humanoid robot Atlas moves more and more like a human being

Boston Dynamics and the Robotics & AI Institute said a collaboration formed in January has produced early results showing the humanoid robot Atlas 2.0 moving in a more human-like manner. A video released by the companies demonstrates the robot crawling, performing a roll, executing cartwheels and attempting a breakdance move. The firms are using reinforcement learning in virtual simulations to teach the robot new skills, rewarding successful tasks to develop dynamic walking and whole-body manipulation. The latter involves coordinating all body parts to balance forces during overall movement such as carrying heavier weights. The video shows Atlas walking and running more dynamically than other humanoid robots of its size, swinging its arms similarly to a human runner. Crawling remains less smooth, while the sideways floor roll, handstand and cartwheel perform better. Unlike other robotics companies focusing on industrial and household tasks, Boston Dynamics and RAI are concentrating on overall body dynamics to make walking more stable and movements safer and more efficient. Boston Dynamics joined other robotics companies in 2022 in committing not to arm its robots, making military applications unlikely.