Boston Dynamics manifests robotic dexterity with fast-running Cheetah and humanoid Atlas

Cheetah robot and Atlas are the two latest robotic projects of Boston Dynamics, an engineering company that specializes in building dynamic robots and software for human simulation. The two new concepts, namely the superfast four-legged called Cheetah and full-size humanoid called Atlas, will be tailor-made for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). As part of a four-year contract, the DARPA agreement commissions BD to build two robots designed with enhanced mobility and ability to acclimatize to natural conditions.

cheetah

Boston Dynamics claim these robot concepts will be conspicuous for their vibrant dexterity of movements like oscillation of limbs to retain equilibrium and prevail over hindrances. The designs reveal that the Cheetah will boast a flexible spine, a lucid head and neck, and a tail. Designed on lines of their BigDog, Cheetah will be capable to speed up rapidly and formulate rigid turns and is definitely to outrun even the fastest animal.

petman

The other robotic version is more humanoid with a torso, two arms and legs. The Atlas, designed like the Petman, will be facilitated to walk upright, crawl as well move sideways. It will climb rough terrains and resolve narrow passages using its hands for extra support and balance.

Unlike its predecessors in the robotic field, it would walk “using a heel-to-toe walking motion, long strides and dynamic transfer of weight on each step” asserted Rob Playter, the vice president of engineering at Boston Dynamics.

Furthermore, in addition to military compliance, Cheetah and Atlas may possibly be maneuvered to respond to emergencies, firefighting, agriculture, and trek in places that are otherwise inaccessible. The company, founded in 1991 with its extraordinary team spearheaded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA, has been working for the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps, DARPA and Sony Corporation. They are mainly specialized in operating sensor-based controls and computation to unlock the potential of intricate mechanisms.

Via: Spectrum