Engineers have long envisioned humanoid robots that can mimic human actions, and recent strides in artificial intelligence are bringing this vision closer to reality. Notably, companies like Boston Dynamics are moving their innovations from laboratories to real-world applications, particularly in factories. This shift comes amid rising concerns that AI and robotics could displace human workers, prompting a global competition to develop robots capable of performing tasks traditionally reserved for people.
Boston Dynamics, based in Massachusetts and valued at over $1 billion, is at the forefront of this evolution. Their humanoid robot, named Atlas, represents a significant leap in technology. The company is currently under the ownership of South Korean automotive giant Hyundai, which holds an 88% stake in the robotics firm. Recently, Atlas underwent its first real-world test at Hyundai’s state-of-the-art factory in Savannah, Georgia, showcasing a future where robots work alongside humans.
Hyundai’s facility is a remarkable example of modern manufacturing, employing over 1,500 humans and more than 1,000 robots that collaborate on various tasks, from hoisting to welding. However, it is in the parts warehouse that the future of robotics was on display. Atlas, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 200 pounds, demonstrated its ability to sort components autonomously, a task previously thought to be exclusive to human workers.
During a demonstration, Zack Jackowski, head of Atlas development and an MIT graduate, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is the first time Atlas has been out of the lab doing real work,” he noted. As the robot sorted roof racks for assembly, it became clear that Atlas was not merely performing pre-programmed actions; it was learning and adapting in real-time.
The advancements in Atlas’s capabilities are attributed to a new generation of AI. When 60 Minutes last visited Boston Dynamics in 2021, Atlas was still a bulky hydraulic robot. Now, it features a sleek all-electric design powered by Nvidia’s advanced microchips, enabling it to execute complex movements with remarkable agility.
Scott Kuindersma, head of robotics research at Boston Dynamics, highlighted the shift in programming methodologies. Today’s robots are being taught through demonstrations and machine learning rather than through rigid programming. This method allows humanoids like Atlas to learn from experience, much like a human would.
Atlas employs various learning techniques, including supervised learning, where a machine learning scientist guides the robot through tasks using a virtual reality headset. In another innovative approach, human movements are captured through motion sensors, which are then used to train Atlas in mimicking these actions. This process involves over 4,000 digital copies of Atlas undergoing simulation training to master skills.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Kuindersma acknowledged that many everyday tasks, such as pouring a cup of coffee or dressing oneself, remain beyond Atlas’s current capabilities. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about the potential future of humanoid robots, suggesting that AI could pave the way for robots to perform increasingly sophisticated tasks.
The core of Atlas’s intelligence lies in its AI brain, which processes vast amounts of data to help the robot understand its environment. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, emphasized that while the goal is to create robots capable of superhuman abilities, the current focus is on practical applications in industry. He stated, “We would like things that could be stronger than us or tolerate more heat than us.”
Concerns about job displacement are prevalent as robots like Atlas enter the workforce. Playter acknowledged that while robots may take over repetitive and physically demanding tasks, they will still require human oversight for training and maintenance. He projected that it may take several years before Atlas is fully integrated into Hyundai’s operations.
According to Goldman Sachs, the market for humanoid robots is anticipated to reach $38 billion within the next decade. While Boston Dynamics and other U.S. companies strive to lead this emerging market, they face significant competition from Chinese firms, which are heavily investing in robotics technology.
During a recent visit to the Savannah plant, Jackowski presented Atlas to Heung-soo Kim, Hyundai’s head of global strategy, who expressed satisfaction with the robot’s progress. “We are on track about the development. Atlas so far is very successful,” Kim remarked.
The vision of humanoid robots working alongside humans is no longer a distant dream. With companies like Boston Dynamics and Hyundai at the helm, the integration of these advanced machines into everyday life is progressing rapidly, marking a significant shift in the landscape of labor and technology.
