Tag: Boston Dynamics

  • City Requests $650,000 for High-Tech Robotic Dogs

    City Requests $650,000 for High-Tech Robotic Dogs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Wichita Police Department is seeking $650,000 to purchase two robotic dogs for crime-fighting purposes.
    2. The robots are designed to move independently through various environments, including doors, stairs, and rough terrain.
    3. These robotic dogs aim to enhance officer safety by reducing risks during high-risk incidents.
    4. The Spot by Boston Dynamics is a leading candidate for the robotic dogs, known for its advanced capabilities and use in law enforcement.
    5. The police department has not revealed potential suppliers for the robotic dogs.

    The Wichita Police Department is looking for funding of $650,000 to buy two robotic dogs. These robotic quadrupeds will be used to help fight crime and will join the current lineup of robots already in use by the department.

    Advanced Capabilities

    Police Captain Aaron Moses has shared that the department is seeking robots that can move independently through doors, stairs, and rough terrain. He mentioned, “These robotic systems provide capabilities that address current operational gaps, including the ability to open and close doors, navigate stairs, and move over uneven terrain and obstacles commonly encountered in real-world environments.”

    Enhancing Officer Safety

    Additionally, Captain Moses pointed out that these robots are intended to lessen the dangers faced by officers while performing their duties. “These capabilities allow officers to manage high-risk incidents more safely and reduce risk to both the public and responding personnel,” he stated.

    The police department has not disclosed the names of any potential suppliers. Nonetheless, one of the leading robotic dogs that fits these specifications is the Spot by Boston Dynamics. This quadruped can be equipped with a Spot Arm and various law enforcement tools. Weighing 75 pounds, this four-legged robot has been used in armed standoffs and has supported over 60 bomb squads and SWAT teams across the US and Canada.

    Wichita Eagle, Bloomberg

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  • Boston Dynamics Atlas Robot Performs Backflip and Cartwheel

    Boston Dynamics Atlas Robot Performs Backflip and Cartwheel

    Key Takeaways

    1. Atlas robot is gaining features from its hydraulic-driven predecessor, Atlas HD.
    2. The robot has successfully performed complex maneuvers, like backflips and cartwheels, while maintaining balance.
    3. Boston Dynamics shares the training process, showing both successes and falls during the robot’s development.
    4. Increasing Atlas’s running speed presents challenges, as it often suffers damage during high-speed tests.
    5. A modified version of Atlas has been introduced for businesses, differing in appearance from the research model.

    Boston Dynamics’ latest Atlas robot is gradually acquiring the features of its hydraulic-driven predecessor known as Atlas HD. A new video released by Boston Dynamics and the RAI Institute highlights Atlas executing a backflip right after a cartwheel, and impressively, the humanoid robot maintains its balance and suffers no damage during the performance.

    Capturing the Journey

    As is common for Boston Dynamics, the company reveals the process behind these achievements. Viewers can witness the robot tumbling during this intricate maneuver, but these falls are not particularly concerning. The robot typically manages to stabilize itself during these daring feats.

    Progress and Challenges

    However, training Atlas to increase its running speed seems to be more challenging, as the robot tends to lose parts after face-planting or colliding with pallets. On a brighter note, the researchers have succeeded in getting Atlas to walk in a more fluid manner. Previously, the robot often appeared clumsy while moving at a slower pace, but this hasn’t significantly impacted its commercial utility so far.

    New Enterprise Model

    Atlas has now been introduced in a modified form as a product for businesses. This new version lacks the sleek appearance of the research model, which seems to have reached its limit. The experiments shown in the video were said to be “one final push to test the limits” of the robot’s capabilities.

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  • Hyundai Orders 30,000 Atlas Robots with Self-Swappable Batteries

    Hyundai Orders 30,000 Atlas Robots with Self-Swappable Batteries

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Production Plans: Boston Dynamics plans to manufacture up to 30,000 Atlas humanoid robots annually for use in Hyundai’s U.S. car manufacturing plants.

    2. Cost-Effective Design: The latest Atlas model features fewer custom parts and utilizes components from Hyundai’s existing supply chain for faster and cheaper production.

    3. Advanced Capabilities: Atlas can assess its environment in real-time, maintain balance with Hyundai Mobis actuators, and adjust grip strength using tactile sensors.

    4. AI Enhancement: The robot’s AI capabilities are powered by Nvidia chips, with collaboration from Google’s DeepMind to improve its cognitive functions.

    5. Competitive Landscape: The introduction of Atlas poses significant competition for Tesla’s Optimus in the humanoid robot market, especially with the rapid growth of similar manufacturing in China.

    Hyundai’s robotics branch, Boston Dynamics, has revealed the latest version of its Atlas humanoid robot, which has been around long before Tesla’s flashy marketing for Optimus stirred up the humanoid robot excitement.

    New Production Plans

    The newest Atlas model is designed specifically for high-volume production, and Boston Dynamics is set to begin manufacturing right away, aiming to produce up to 30,000 humanoid robots annually. Hyundai plans to use these robots in its car manufacturing plants located in the United States.

    Cost-Effective Design

    To facilitate mass production, the latest Atlas units have minimized the number of custom parts, opting instead for components that are easily sourced from the automaker’s existing supply chain. This approach allows the robots to be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively.

    Advanced Capabilities

    The Atlas robot can assess its environment in real-time. Hyundai Mobis actuators help in maintaining its balance and adjusting its stance, while tactile sensors fine-tune the grip strength of its hands, allowing for adaptability based on the required tasks. The AI that interprets its surroundings is powered by Nvidia chips, and Boston Dynamics has teamed up with Google’s DeepMind to create foundational models to enhance its cognitive abilities further.

    The initial production units of the Atlas humanoid robot are now on their way to key partners, Hyundai and Google, for testing purposes. With the competition from Atlas and the rapid growth of humanoid robot manufacturing in China, it appears that Tesla’s Optimus will encounter significant rivalry when it finally arrives on factory floors.

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  • Hyundai Ups Its Game Against Tesla with 48V System Upgrade

    Hyundai Ups Its Game Against Tesla with 48V System Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hyundai is set to become the first major car manufacturer to transition its entire fleet from a 12V to a 48V electrical system by 2029.
    2. The shift to a 48V system is necessary for advanced vehicle features like autonomous driving and multimedia systems.
    3. Hyundai is revamping its vehicle electronics supply chain, focusing on a comprehensive 48V architecture rather than partial implementations.
    4. The company aims to create cost savings by developing 48V components that can be used for both vehicles and humanoid robots.
    5. Hyundai’s robotics division, expanded through the acquisition of Boston Dynamics, is also focusing on 48V systems for its humanoid robots.

    Hyundai is on track to be the first major car manufacturer to transition its entire fleet from the outdated 12V low-voltage system to a more modern 48V architecture.

    Upcoming Robot Competitors

    This change will also include Hyundai’s forthcoming humanoid robot competitors, which are being developed through its acquisition of Boston Dynamics.

    Hyundai, similar to Tesla with the Cybertruck, has recognized that the traditional 12V low-voltage system, which has powered vehicle electronics since the 1950s, is inadequate. Advanced features such as autonomous driving assistance, multimedia systems, and drive-by-wire capabilities demand a higher voltage to function effectively.

    Benefits of the 48V System

    Tesla has indicated that switching from a 12V to a 48V system allowed them to significantly reduce wiring and provide sufficient power for the motors used in rear-wheel steering. While the Cybertruck and certain other models utilize a 48V low-voltage system, they only apply it where it is practical.

    For example, the Cybertruck employs a lower voltage converter for its audio amplifiers, and in case the 48V battery fails, a standard 12V jump starter kit can be utilized.

    Hyundai’s Ambitious Plans

    In contrast, Hyundai is requesting its suppliers to completely revamp vehicle electronics to support a comprehensive 48V architecture. Understanding that this is a monumental task that can’t be completed quickly, the company intends to gradually build a 48V electronics supply chain by 2029. This approach aims to reduce the costs associated with this significant transition.

    Tesla also aimed for a similar outcome by making its 48V architecture manual publicly available for other automakers, hoping that as adoption grows, prices for these components will decrease. However, rather than partnering with Tesla or Chinese manufacturers, Hyundai is choosing to independently pursue this path to protect its supplier network. “The key is to maintain the hardware and software ecosystem for four years while slightly reducing profitability and changing the SDV and electrical component standard voltage,” revealed an insider.

    Robotics Division Expansion

    Following its acquisition of Boston Dynamics, Hyundai has established a substantial robotics division that is working on humanoid robots similar to Tesla’s Optimus, which also operates on a 48V system. The company aims to achieve additional cost savings by creating 48V electrical and electronic components that can be used interchangeably in both vehicle and robot production.

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  • Boston Dynamics Develops Adaptive Robot for Changing Environments

    Boston Dynamics Develops Adaptive Robot for Changing Environments

    Key Takeaways

    1. Atlas can now adapt to different environments and respond to unexpected events.
    2. The robot demonstrates quick adaptation when faced with changes, like moving shelf locations.
    3. Atlas uses its camera to locate sounds, illustrating the challenges of dynamic perception.
    4. The video highlights Moravec’s paradox, showing that simple human tasks are difficult for robots.
    5. Small mistakes in the perception system can lead to significant errors in task execution.

    Atlas keeps on changing. In a rather lengthy video with rare explanations, Boston Dynamics shows that Atlas can now handle different environments. While it still sorts car parts like before, the team hopes Atlas will learn to adjust to a more dynamic setting. This means that Atlas should be able to respond and adapt to new situations or unexpected events.

    Adapting to Challenges

    For instance, in the video, Boston Dynamics staff frequently shift the location of the shelf container where parts are sorted. This forces the robot to adapt, and it does so quickly. In another scenario, an employee drops a part near Atlas, causing a noise. The robot hears this with its microphone, but since it doesn’t have the ability to locate sounds based on the microphone, it methodically scans the area using its camera to find the part.

    The robot successfully picks up the part and puts it back on the shelf, though it isn’t as smooth as a human would be. Overall, the video illustrates Moravec’s paradox well. This paradox points out the seemingly odd fact that tasks simple for humans, like social interactions or physical movements, are hard for robots. On the other hand, tasks that are tough for humans, like complex calculations or data processing, come easy to robots.

    The Need for Dynamic Perception

    Jan Czarnowski, who leads the perception team, says that Atlas’ perception system must be flexible to handle unpredictable and changing situations. This challenge is made worse by the fact that, as the developers note, small mistakes and tiny errors can add up quickly. For example, the shelf cells have a margin of 5 cm. A slight miscalculation in grasping or placing parts into these cells, even just one centimeter off, could lead to a failure.

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  • Boston Dynamics Advances Atlas Robotics Development Progress

    Boston Dynamics Advances Atlas Robotics Development Progress

    Key Takeaways

    1. Boston Dynamics has introduced a new version of Atlas that does not use hydraulic power, addressing issues with leaks and maintenance costs from the previous model, Atlas HD.
    2. The new Atlas design allows for faster and more efficient movements, including 360-degree motion and the ability to walk backwards instead of turning around.
    3. Future applications for Atlas include roles in car manufacturing and other human workspaces, aiming to enhance productivity.
    4. Insights from practical uses of Atlas are helping to refine its functions as a working robot, similar to existing products like Spot and Stretch.
    5. Boston Dynamics is optimistic about integrating artificial intelligence to improve Atlas’ skill development in future applications.

    Almost one year since the introduction of the new Atlas, Boston Dynamics has shared a video showcasing significant advancements with the robot. In this latest update, the company elaborates on the capabilities of Atlas and discusses the benefits of shifting from the hydraulic-powered Atlas HD. Developers have described Atlas HD as “messy,” highlighting the high costs associated with the technology and its maintenance.

    New Features and Advantages

    The latest version of Atlas, which does not rely on hydraulics, has eliminated issues related to hydraulic fluid leaks that were common with Atlas HD. This new design allows the robot to operate more quickly and efficiently, thanks to its ability to perform numerous 360-degree movements without the limitations that come with human-like motion. For instance, instead of needing to turn around, the robot can simply walk backwards.

    Future Applications

    Boston Dynamics is committed to turning Atlas into a productive robot equipped with professional skills. In the future, Atlas is expected to assist in car manufacturing and will be implemented in workspaces that were originally meant for humans. It remains to be seen if Atlas will master the remarkable tasks that Atlas HD showcased over the years. Currently, there is a lack of a “fun video,” which has become a tradition for Boston Dynamics. Last year’s Halloween video featured Atlas sorting car parts for Hyundai, its owner.

    According to Boston Dynamics, insights from practical applications are aiding in refining Atlas’ function as a working robot. Products like Spot and Stretch are already available in the market. Additionally, the topic of artificial intelligence is addressed by Boston Dynamics, which expresses hope that AI will enhance Atlas’ skill development.

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