What Implications Could Google’s New Robot Have on Produce?
WALTHAM, MA – There’s a new kid on the block in the world of robotics, and this one isn’t too privy on being pushed around.
Boston Dynamics, the robot company owned by Google parent Alphabet, is showing off its latest innovation, appropriately named “Atlas.” Why, you might ask? See for yourself – we think it’s pretty jaw-dropping.
Sure, call it a precursor to Robocop or Terminator - we get it, it looks a little unnerving because it's simulating human movement. But what if Atlas could be utilized on farms as another picker or in a warehouse carrying crates or maybe even pallets? We’ve talked about robotics in agriculture before, but nothing quite as humanoid as this one.
Check out the full video of Atlas in action below. Watch how it handles uneven terrain and maintain its balance even when prodded from behind. Even more impressive, it stands back up on its own after getting pushed down. And if you feel sorry for the poor robot getting shoved and toyed around with, you’re not alone. Keep it up and that’s how the robot uprising starts.
Not too much has been revealed about the gadgetry inside the robot, other than a brief description on the YouTube video which states that Atlas is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated. Boston Dynamics says that the 5’9” tall, 180-pound robot uses sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess the terrain, help with navigation, and manipulate objects.
Judging from the video, it appears that Atlas also has the ability to recognize QR-like codes to lift boxes and open doors.
Of course, we’re far away from robots like Atlas being used in the agricultural industry. At the same time though you can’t help but imagine the potential behind this innovation on the field.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see where Boston Dynamics will go next.
