I have been trying to reassure people for decades that the coming robot revolution will not lead to job losses for us humans. It’s an idea I firmly believed in – or at least I did until this morning.
Earlier this week, Boston Dynamics released a new demonstration video of its new Atlas humanoid robot (see below). Unveiled earlier this year, this Atlas is a major redesign and radical upgrade of the already impressive and Parkour-performing original Atlas. This new robot looks a lot more like us, even though it can move in ways that none of us can.
The latest video is unremarkable in some ways: another humanoid robot performing tedious tasks we’d rather not do. In this case, Atlas sorts plastic engine covers between a supplier container with horizontal slots and something called a “mobile sequencing dolly” with vertical slots. It does this in the drab surroundings of what appears to be some sort of manufacturing facility, though it’s likely just a warehouse on Boston Dynamic’s development campus.
The special thing about the almost three-minute video is that Altas does it all autonomously. That’s right, unlike the remote-controlled Optimus robots that Elon Musk and Tesla tried pawn as self-driven during his “We, Robot” eventAccording to Boston Dynamics, there is no one directing Atlas’ motions or decisions.
In the video, Atlas stands in front of a cart full of plastic hood bins. The robot first reaches for it, places its two ‘fingers’ under the lid and then pulls it forward. Atlas then releases his grip and turns his hand so that one ‘finger’ is on top and the other on the bottom, grabs the tray and pulls it out.
From a distance, you’d be forgiven for assuming you’re looking at a slow-moving human worker. Of course, the next bit would belie that idea. Atlas appears to be walking backwards toward the vertical set of tray holders, but also rotates his body as he moves. Like I said, it can do things that aren’t possible with a human body.
Before placing the tray in its new holder, Atlas appears to be examining it. Later we see an inset video feed showing us how Atlas’ vision system assesses the size and shape of the tray.
Atlas continues his work, crouching and stooping to grab the hoods on the lower shelves. It all goes smoothly, except for one moment when a tray gets stuck on the fabric edge of a shelf. Instead of slowly pulling it back, Atltas pulls it back before smoothly inserting the part.
Like I said, not exactly compelling viewing, unless you consider what this means. Robots are widely used in manufacturing and warehouses, but are often not deployed when fine motor control is required, especially in places where quick decisions are needed.
However, it is clear from this video that we are heading to a place where robots that look and work just like us will soon be standing alongside or replacing factory workers. They will do the job just as well as we do, but can also walk backwards while turning their heads 180 degrees.
Furthermore, the introduction of generative AI allows robots like Boston Dynamics Atlas to report on their work, respond when you ask them questions about production levels, and even join you during lunch (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 ten to twenty years you might be looking for a different kind of work.