Why is it so amazing that this Robot can do a perfect backflip?

You might be wondering by the title, what robot can do backflips? On November 16, 2017 a video was released by Boston Dynamics of the Robot, Atlas doing a perfect backflip and various flexible moves. Atlas is a line of technology created by a technology institute called Boston Dynamics, and they state “Atlas is the latest in a line of advanced humanoid robots we are developing.”  

Atlas is 1.5 meters in height, 75 kilograms, 11 kilograms in payload, which is part of the robots load. It also is powered by battery and has a hydraulic motor. Atlas uses whole body functions using 28 joints, which include motion of arms, torso, and legs. Or it can perform tasks while balancing on one leg (Boston Dynamics). Atlas can see using stereo vision and LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging. This helps it operate indoors and outdoors and makes it very skilled in walking over vast land types, like snowy and tough grounds (Wikipedia).

Atlas can perform many tasks like backflips, jumping on boxes, and turning 180 degrees. It can pick up boxes, open doors, walk on rough terrain, and balance on one foot while being shot with a projectile. Atlas was created to aid emergency services in search and rescue operations, which requires tasks in dangerous conditions for humans, such as turning off valves, opening doors, and operating powered equipment (Wikipedia). “In the 2015 Darpa competition of robotics Atlas was not able to complete all eight tasks as follows: drive a utility vehicle at the site, travel dismounted across rubble, remove debris blocking an entryway, open a door and enter a building, climb an industrial ladder and traverse an industrial walkway, use a tool to break through a concrete panel, locate and close a valve near a leaking pipe, connect a fire hose to a standpipe and turn on a valve” (Wikipedia).

Although, Atlas couldn’t perform the tasks intended in that competition, it is still being worked on. Atlas is still an amazing piece of technology that can do incredible things. Look out for new improvements to Atlas in the future!

References:

“Atlas (Robot).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Nov. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_(robot).

Boston Dynamics. “Atlas.” Atlas | Boston Dynamics, 2017, www.bostondynamics.com/atlas.

BostonDynamics. “Atlas, The Next Generation.” YouTube, YouTube, 23 Feb. 2016, www.youtube.

com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY.

BostonDynamics. “What’s New, Atlas?” YouTube, YouTube, 16 Nov. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRj34o4hN4I#action=share.