How Boston Dynamics upgraded the Atlas robot
How Boston Dynamics upgraded the Atlas robot
How Boston Dynamics upgraded the Atlas - In a 2021 episode, the CBS news program 60 Minutes toured Boston Dynamics' facilities, offering a glimpse into the company’s early humanoid robot, Atlas. The original model could perform basic tasks like running and balancing after being nudged, but its movements were rigid, lacking the grace of human motion. Fast forward to the present, and the robot has transformed significantly. Now, Atlas can cartwheel, dance, and move with a level of fluidity that rivals human agility. It also boasts the ability to twist its arms, head, and torso in full circles, and even lift itself from the ground using only its feet.
The Evolution of Atlas
Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter shared insights with correspondent Bill Whitaker, emphasizing the company’s vision for humanoid robots. “We think that’s the way you should build robots. Don’t limit yourself to what people can do, but actually go beyond,” he explained. This philosophy is evident in the latest iteration of Atlas, which features a broader range of motion. Unlike humans, who need to physically turn around to change direction, the robot can pivot its upper torso 180 degrees instantly.
"For us to turn around, we have to physically turn around," Whitaker remarked. "Atlas just pivots on his core."
Scott Kuindersma, head of robotics research at Boston Dynamics, highlighted another breakthrough: the elimination of wires that previously constrained the robot’s movement. “The robot’s not really limited in its range of motion,” Kuindersma noted. “One of the reliability issues often seen in robots is that their wires start to break over time. We’ve removed all wires from the rotating parts, which enhances durability and simplifies maintenance.”
AI and Teleoperation Enhancements
The latest Atlas model also incorporates an advanced AI system, powered by Nvidia technology. This brain enables the robot to learn and adapt to tasks through various methods, including teleoperation. During a demonstration, Whitaker observed a session where a human operator guided the robot using virtual reality equipment. The process involved teaching Atlas to stack cups and tie knots, repeating actions until the robot mastered them.
"Being able to precisely control not only the shape and the motion, but the force of the grippers, is actually an interesting challenge," Kuindersma told Whitaker. “I think there’s still a lot of opportunity to improve teleoperation systems, so that we can do even more dexterous manipulation tasks with robots.”
While the robot’s hands are a simplified design compared to human anatomy, they are engineered for versatility. Kuindersma explained that Atlas now has three fingers on each hand, which can adjust to different configurations. “They can act as if they were a hand with these three digits, or this digit can swing around and act more like a thumb,” he said. This adaptability allows the robot to grasp objects of varying sizes, from small items requiring precise two-finger opposition to larger ones needing wide-hand support.
Further, the hands are equipped with tactile sensors that relay data to the AI. These sensors help the robot understand the right amount of pressure to apply when manipulating objects, ensuring efficiency without damage. Kuindersma acknowledged that while progress has been made, there are still challenges in refining these systems. “Human hands are incredible machines that are very versatile. We can do many, many different manipulation tasks with the same hand,” he added. “Atlas now has only three digits on each hand, which can swing into different positions or modes.”
The Road Ahead for Humanoid Robots
Whitaker questioned whether the current excitement around humanoid robots was overshadowing practical realities. “There is quite a bit of hype around these humanoids right now,” he stated. “Financial institutions predict we will be living with millions, if not billions, of robots in our future. We’re not there yet.” Playter, the former CEO, concurred, describing the hype cycle as a natural part of innovation. “Part of that is created by the optimism and enthusiasm we see for the potential,” he said. “But while AI and software can move ahead at super speeds, these are machines, and building reliable ones takes time.”
Playter stressed the importance of reliability and affordability in deploying humanoid robots. “These robots have to be reliable. They have to be affordable. That will take time to deploy,” he explained. This sentiment underscores the balance Boston Dynamics is striving to achieve between cutting-edge capabilities and real-world application. The company’s focus remains on refining the technology to meet the demands of industrial settings, such as factories.
Next Steps and Future Goals
Since the original 60 Minutes report, Boston Dynamics has introduced further upgrades. The latest version of Atlas is not only taller but also stronger, marking a significant step toward practical use. This enhanced model will begin training at Hyundai’s factory in Georgia this summer, showcasing the robot’s potential in manufacturing environments.
Kuindersma’s team continues to push the boundaries of robotic design. The current improvements in mobility and dexterity are just the beginning. “The AI is learning to work in a factory,” Kuindersma said. “It’s a big step forward, but there’s still a lot to refine.” Future iterations may focus on expanding the robot’s ability to perform complex tasks, such as assembling parts or navigating unpredictable environments. The goal is to create a humanoid that can seamlessly integrate into human-centric workflows, whether in warehouses, construction sites, or disaster zones.
As the technology evolves, so does the conversation around its impact. “The robot’s not just a machine—it’s a new kind of tool,” Playter said. “It’s designed to do things that are difficult for humans, but also things that humans do effortlessly.” This duality is what makes Atlas a compelling example of robotics progress. While it may not yet match human flexibility, its advancements are paving the way for a future where robots and humans collaborate more effectively than ever before.
Despite these strides, challenges remain. The teleoperation systems, though functional, require further optimization to achieve greater precision. “There’s still room for improvement,” Kuindersma admitted. “Our hands are versatile, but the robot’s are a starting point.” As research continues, the hope is that Atlas will one day perform tasks with the same ease and adaptability as a human worker, bridging the gap between science fiction and reality.
Conclusion
The journey of Atlas highlights the rapid evolution of humanoid robotics. From its early, stiff movements to its current ability to perform fluid, complex actions, the robot has become a symbol of Boston Dynamics’ ambition. As the company continues to refine its technology, the potential applications for Atlas—and other humanoid robots—expand. Whether it’s in factories, homes, or beyond, the future of robotics is being shaped by the relentless pursuit of innovation.
The footage was first shared on January 4, 2026, by CBS News. Produced by Will Croxton and edited by Scott, the segment captures the transformative progress of Atlas and the vision driving its development. As the robot moves closer to mainstream use, it serves as a reminder of how far robotics has come—and how much further it has to go.