Boston Dynamics unveils its first fully electric humanoid robot
Electric robots are smoother and quieter, and also more reliable, than their older cousins and this is a major upgrade by Boston Dynamics.
Key takeaways
- See it in action That's where the just-announced all-electric version of Atlas comes in.
- One of the first of those clients will be Hyundai, which will be testing the robot on its automotive production lines over the next few years.
- In the meantime, check out this rather freaky video of the robot showing off its electric dexterity.
Cite or link to this article
Griffin, M. (2024) 'Boston Dynamics unveils its first fully electric humanoid robot', 311 Institute, 15 May. Available at: https://www.311institute.com/boston-dynamics-unveils-its-first-fully-electric-humanoid-robot/ (Accessed: 1 October 2026).
Boston Dynamics, the makers of Atlas, the parkour jumping humanoid robot, and Spot the robot dog, has unveiled a stronger, more agile, fully electric version of its Atlas humanoid robot which is already slated to enter use on Hyundai's automotive production line.
It was just this week that Boston Dynamics announced it was bidding adieu to the original Atlas robot, which moved its limbs via a series of hydraulic actuators. As companies like Unitree have recently shown us, electric joint motors are considerably lighter and more compact than hydraulics, plus they're not subject to leakage.
See it in action
That's where the just-announced all-electric version of Atlas comes in.
Although we're still waiting to hear back about its full specifications, Boston Dynamics states that it's stronger, nimbler and more dextrous than the hydraulic Atlas. It's also designed to move in whatever manner is most efficient for performing a given task, as opposed to limiting itself to the natural human range of motion.
The company states, "Atlas will move in ways that exceed human capabilities."
What's more, a number of new interchangeable grippers will be created for the robot, tailored toward clients' needs. One of the first of those clients will be Hyundai, which will be testing the robot on its automotive production lines over the next few years.
There's currently no word on when the new Atlas will enter wider commercial use. In the meantime, check out this rather freaky video of the robot showing off its electric dexterity.
FAQ
Why does this matter?
Electric robots are smoother and quieter, and also more reliable, than their older cousins and this is a major upgrade by Boston Dynamics.
About the author
Matthew Griffin Founder, 311 Institute
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath."
Read full bio
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath." 15-time best selling author of the "Codex of the Future" series, Matthew is the Founder and Futurist in Chief of the 311 Institute, a global Futures and Deep Futures advisory firm working with royal households, world leaders, G7, G20, and G77 governments, NGOs, and multi-national mid and mega cap firms to help them explore, shape, and lead the next 50 years of business and society.
An award-winning YouTube creator with over a million followers, with an unrivalled global reach and impact, Matthew is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, lecturer, and mentor who collaborates with global leaders through the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to shape pivotal initiatives such as the UN’s AI for Humanity program, the United Nations Conference of the Parties (UN COP), and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As the former Global Head of Cloud, National Security, and Enterprise Sales for companies including Atos, Dell-EMC, and IBM, Matthew has a proven track record of building multi-billion dollar business units and turning failing divisions into market leaders. His ability to identify, analyse, and communicate the implications of hundreds of emerging technologies and trends is unparalleled, and his insights are trusted by many of the world’s most respected organisations, including ABB, Accenture, Adidas, AON, ARM, BCG, Centrica, Citi, Coca-Cola, Dentons, Deloitte, Dow Jones, EY, Google, KPMG, Lego, Legal & General, LinkedIn, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Qualcomm, RWE, Samsung, Siemens AG and Siemens Energy, T-Mobile, UBS, VISA, Walmart, Workday, Worldpay and many others.
Regularly featured in the global media including the AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, Forbes, Khaleej Times, Telegraph, TIME, ViacomCBS, WIRED, and the WSJ, Matthews mission is to help organisations create a fair and sustainable future whose benefits are shared by everyone irrespective of their ability, background, or circumstances.
What future do you need to see?
Choose one to get started on robotics and the future of your organisation.
Source: first published by the 311 Institute on 15 May 2024. Cite as: Griffin, M. (2024). Boston Dynamics unveils its first fully electric humanoid robot. 311 Institute. https://www.311institute.com/boston-dynamics-unveils-its-first-fully-electric-humanoid-robot/
You are welcome to quote this article with credit and a link to the original.