Boston, Massachusetts-Based Robots Are Practically Human
Whether you are ready for it or not, the future of robotics is here.
Robots are here.
I feel like I blinked, and, BOOM, robots are just around the corner. Have you seen any?
I encountered my first robot on the streets of Manchester, New Hampshire in 2023. I think it was Amazon, or some kind of package delivery...
I was blown away. Well, progress is being made rapidly, and in Boston, Massachusetts.
According to their website, Boston Dynamics is a Boston-based robotics company whose mission is below:
Boston Dynamics’ mission is to imagine and create exceptional robots that enrich people’s lives. Building machines that can approximate the mobility, dexterity and agility of people and animals is a grand challenge. Curiosity and respect for the natural world are at the heart of our work on robots. We see products derived from this work as the next step in the human history of building machines to reduce the danger, repetition and physically difficult aspects of work.
So, check out where Boston Dynamics was at with their robots in previous months (the best/scariest robot is saved for last; you don't want to miss it).
That is pretty impressive. I don't want to misrepresent my opinion here. I am very impressed with the progression or robots. I just didn't realize we are where we are.
Well, if you thought the dog-looking robots were something, check out this one from September 2019. It gets even better.
Its mobility allows it to do super cool flips, and of course, the handstand.
Now finally, the most impressive (or scary depending on your view on this)....
This one can pick items up and throw them, a massive step for this Boston robotics company.
What I am most taken aback by is the depth perception. For the robot to know how far to jump is one thing. To know how far to accurately throw the tool bag was almost unsettling.
Could we be seeing these around Boston in our day-to-day? Would we want and accept them in Boston and other cities in New England?
No, I do not think robots will take over humanity, but this video is the first time I have really thought about it (kidding...or am I).
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Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa