Humanoid robotics

New Atlas bot impresses – but it has rivals!

(Bild: Boston Dynamics)

With Atlas, the US company Boston Dynamics has done pioneering work in humanoid robots. Now the previous model with many hydraulic components has been retired and replaced by a fully electric Atlas with new capabilities. The high-tech bot caused quite a stir when it was announced and will soon be assembling cars at Hyundai. But there is a rapidly growing number of competitors.

According to tech masterminds like Elon Musk, human-like robots are the workforce of the future: Musk's car manufacturer Tesla is researching a robot called Optimus, which will be entrusted with simple and repetitive work steps in car production. The automotive industry will also be the first "employer" of the new Atlas from Boston Dynamics: after numerous changes of ownership, the US provider now belongs to the South Korean Hyundai Group and Atlas will soon be tested in its car factories. But Tesla and Hyundai are not alone; BMW has also found a partner in robotics. Taking stock.