Boston Dynamics announced the retirement of its humanoid robot, Atlas, on Tuesday, a surprising move considering the current surge of interest and funding in humanoid robotics. The company, known for its unique approach to robotics, seems to be signaling a shift towards new endeavors.
The retirement of Atlas is likely a strategic decision as Boston Dynamics continues to focus on commercializing its technologies. Since Hyundai’s acquisition of the company in 2021 and the appointment of Robert Playter as CEO, Boston Dynamics has been accelerating its commercialization efforts. Given the increasing interest in companies like Agility, Figure, 1X, and Apptronik, it’s plausible that Boston Dynamics has considered entering the commercial humanoid robotics market.
What is Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics has been a pioneer in humanoid robotics, with Atlas making its debut over a decade ago through a collaboration with DARPA. While Atlas was one of the most advanced humanoid robots at the time, its technology has become outdated by today’s standards. Despite this, Atlas has remained a key part of Boston Dynamics’ research and marketing efforts.
Interestingly, just in February, Boston Dynamics was showcasing Atlas’ capabilities and hinting at potential commercialization with a video titled “Atlas Struts.” The video highlighted Atlas’ strength, perception, and mobility, suggesting applications in tasks like factory work, possibly aligning with Hyundai’s automotive manufacturing interests.
As a farewell to Atlas, Boston Dynamics released a video showcasing the robot’s achievements and failures over the years. The video serves as a reminder of the extensive effort and development behind the scenes of Boston Dynamics’ projects, often unseen in their polished promotional material.
