Boston Dynamics Gives Atlas Some Handy Hands

Let’s give a hand to Atlas, the famous robot from Boston Dynamics that does backflips. The company recently announced major improvements to Atlas. The bipedal robot can now travel uneven terrain, recover from falls, pick up and carry goods, open doors, and climb ladders. Boston Dynamics incorporated enhanced grasping and manipulation capabilities and new control algorithms that help Atlas improvise and adapt to new conditions.

The last time Atlas was seen in a video, the robots lacked grasping abilities. The legs were first prioritized with arm mobility limited to balance. Atlas is now portrayed with crab claw-style hands and wrist movement.

Atlas has 28 hydraulically operated joints that offer a wide range of motion and flexibility. The robot also features a variety of sensors, including LIDAR, stereo cameras, and an IMU, which enable it to comprehend and navigate its surroundings. The new developments aim to take Atlas one step closer to becoming a viable tool for search and rescue, construction, and manufacturing.