For years now, I have been reassuring people that the upcoming robot revolution will not lead to job losses for us humans. It was a belief I held firmly – that is, until this morning.
Just a few days ago, Boston Dynamics released a new demonstration video showcasing its latest Atlas humanoid robot (see below). Unveiled earlier this year, this new Atlas is a complete redesign and a significant upgrade from its already impressive predecessor that could perform Parkour. This new robot bears a closer resemblance to us, but can also move in ways that are beyond our capabilities.
The most recent video may seem unremarkable in some aspects: Yet another humanoid robot carrying out mundane tasks that we would rather avoid. In this case, Atlas is seen sorting plastic engine covers between a container with horizontal slots and a “mobile sequencing dolly” with vertical slots. The setting is a dull environment that appears to be a manufacturing facility, though it could just be a warehouse at Boston Dynamics’ development campus.
What sets this nearly three-minute video apart is that Atlas is executing all these tasks autonomously. Yes, unlike the remote-controlled Optimus robots that Elon Musk and Tesla tried to pass off as self-directed during his “We, Robot” event, there is allegedly no one guiding Atlas in its movements or decisions.
In the video, Atlas is faced with a cart filled with trays of plastic engine covers. The robot reaches for a tray, places its two ‘fingers’ underneath, pulls it forward, releases its grip, and then rotates its hand to grab the tray from the top and bottom before pulling it out.
From a distance, it might appear as if you are watching a slow-moving human worker. However, the subsequent actions quickly dispel that notion. Atlas seems to walk backward towards the vertical tray holders while twisting its body around as it moves. As mentioned earlier, it can perform tasks that are impossible for a human body.
Before inserting the tray into the new holder, Atlas seems to inspect it. A video feed inset later reveals how Atlas’s vision system is evaluating the size and shape of the tray.
Atlas continues its work by crouching and bending down to retrieve engine covers from lower shelves. The process goes smoothly, except for one instance where a tray gets caught on the fabric edge of a shelf. Instead of pulling it back slowly, Atlas yanks it back before smoothly inserting the part.
As I mentioned before, it may not be the most exciting video to watch unless you consider the implications. While robots are commonly used in manufacturing and warehouses, they are not typically employed for tasks requiring fine motor control or quick decision-making.
However, this video clearly indicates that we are headed towards a future where robots that resemble and work like us will soon be working alongside or replacing factory workers. They will perform tasks just as effectively as us, but with the added ability to walk backward while turning their heads around 180 degrees.
Moreover, with the advent of generative AI, robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas will be able to provide reports on their work, respond to queries about production levels, and even engage in light-hearted banter during lunchtime (they still won’t eat but might recharge for an hour).
So now, I must revise what I tell people about robots: They may not take our jobs just yet, but in 10-20 years, you might need to consider a different career path.