The Robot Factory Showdown
#robotics #automation #hyundai #boston_dynamics #google_deepmind
CES 2026 showdown: Hyundai and Boston Dynamics reveal Atlas, challenging Tesla's automation timeline with a credible, scalable robotics future.
**Boston Dynamics** is a pioneering robotics company renowned for developing advanced, dynamic mobile robots that navigate real-world environments for industrial, commercial, and research applications.[4][6] Founded in **1992** by Marc Raibert as a spin-off from MIT's Leg Lab, the company originated from groundbreaking research on legged locomotion.[1][2][3][4] Early funding came from DARPA, leading to military-focused innovations like **BigDog** (2004), a quadruped robot that carried 340 pounds at 4 mph over rough terrain but was shelved for excessive noise.[1][2] This was followed by **Atlas** (2013), a bipedal humanoid for search-and-rescue tasks, showcasing feats like parkour and recovery from falls in viral videos.[1][2] Ownership shifted dramatically: Google acquired it in 2013 amid a robotics buying spree, but sold to **SoftBank** in 2017 due to strategic mismatches and reluctance for military ties.[2] In 2021, **Hyundai Motor Group** bought a controlling stake for $1.1 billion, integrating it into smart mobility solutions.[1] Key achievements include commercial breakthroughs like **Spot** (2020), a versatile quadruped for inspection using sensors and leg motors for balance,[1] and **Stretch** (2021), a warehouse robot for truck unloading.[1] Acquisitions like Kinema Systems (2019) enhanced AI for industrial arms.[1] In 2024, a partnership with Toyota Research Institute advanced humanoid robots via Large Behavior Models on Atlas.[1] Today, under Hyundai, Boston Dynamics leads in practical automation, deploying robots that "work in the real world" for tough challenges, evolving from military roots to viral tech icons featured in ads.[5][6][7] With ongoing innovations, it redefines robotics' commercial potential, blending agility, AI, and durability for sectors like logistics and manufacturing.(298 word
#robotics #automation #hyundai #boston_dynamics #google_deepmind
CES 2026 showdown: Hyundai and Boston Dynamics reveal Atlas, challenging Tesla's automation timeline with a credible, scalable robotics future.
#tech #robotics #artificial_intelligence #automation
An overview of Atlas upgrades, real-time AI breakthroughs, and future plans with Google DeepMind and industry partners.