For decades, I’ve been trying to reassure people that the coming robotics revolution won’t result in job losses for us humans. This is an idea I firmly believed in – or at least I did until this morning.
Earlier this week, Boston Dynamics released a new demo video of its new Atlas humanoid robot (see below). Unveiled earlier this year, this Atlas is a complete overhaul and radical upgrade to its already impressive and capable Parkour original Atlas. This new robot is much more like us, even though it can move in ways none of us can.
The latest video is, in some ways, mundane: another humanoid robot performing arduous tasks that we would rather not do. In this case, Atlas sorts plastic engine covers between a supplier container with horizontal slots and what is called a “mobile sequencing cart” with vertical slots. He does so in the drab surroundings of what appears to be some sort of manufacturing facility, although it’s probably just a warehouse on the Boston Dynamic development campus.
What’s remarkable about this nearly three-minute video is that Altas does all of this autonomously. That’s right, unlike the remote-controlled Optimus robots that Elon Musk and Tesla tried to present as self-directed during his “We, Robot” event, according to Boston Dynamics, no one guides Atlas’s movements or decisions.
In the video, Atlas faces a cart full of plastic engine cover trays. The robot first grabs one, places its two “fingers” under the lid, then pulls it forward. Atlas then releases his grip and rotates his hand so that one “finger” is up and the other is down, grabs the tray and removes it.
Seen from a distance, you would be forgiven for assuming you are observing a slow-moving human worker. Of course, the sequel would disprove this notion. Atlas appears to walk backwards towards the vertical set of tray supports, but also turns his body as he moves. Like I said, he can do things that are impossible with a human body.
Before inserting the tray into its new holder, Atlas appears to examine it. Later, we see an inset video feed that shows us how Atlas’ vision system evaluates the size and shape of the board.
Atlas continues his work, crouching and bending to grab the engine covers from the lower shelves. Everything is going well, except for one moment when a tray gets stuck in the fabric edge of a shelf. Instead of removing it slowly, Atltas removes it before inserting the part smoothly.
As I said, it’s not really convincing unless you consider what it means. Robots are widely used in manufacturing and warehouses, but they are often not used where fine motor controls are needed and especially not in places that require on-the-fly decisions.
However, it is clear from this video that we are on the path to having robots that look like us and work like us will soon come alongside or replace factory workers. They will do the job just as well as us but will also be able to walk backwards while turning their heads 180 degrees.
Additionally, with the introduction of generative AI, bots like Boston Dynamics Atlas will be able to report on their work, respond when you ask them about production levels, and even join you for banter witty at lunchtime (they still won’t eat). but can plug in for an hour).
So now I have to adjust what I tell people about robots: They won’t take our jobs yet, but in 10 to 20 years you might be looking for another job.