Atlas: Humanoid, Life-Saving Robot

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The humanoid Atlas robot is aimed at search and rescue missions * Atlas will be sent into places too dangerous for people. The robot has excellent balance and stability.

Walking involves mainly bio-mechanical engineering. Every step we take requires balance and an ability to overcome imbalance with split-second decisions. It requires careful manipulation of feet, connecting with the ground at appropriate angles, in addition to enough processing power to know how much force is necessary to turn and change direction.

We, people, do all that naturally, without even noticing. Now it’s the robots’ turn. Scientists have created robots that can maintain their balance, walk or even run across harsh terrain full of obstacles. In just a few years these robots could conduct search and rescue missions and HLS operations, or enter environments that are too dangerous for people.

The Atlas humanoid robot, for example, designed by Boston Dynamics, can walk and run across unstable surfaces. According to MIT Technology Review the Atlas is somewhat more advanced in that regard compared to humanoid robots like Honda’s Asimo or Sony’s QRIO. Unlike the others Atlas has a real sense for maintaining balance, a feat it can achieve quickly and easily.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

These robots can prove effective for search and rescue missions, HLS operations during emergencies and even routine tasks like assisting the elderly or the disabled. Atlas uses hydraulic mechanisms to maintain stability, even while crossing uneven terrain.

At this stage the Atlas isn’t ready to perform all the tasks it was originally aimed at, since it uses a powerful and loud diesel fuel engine and its powerful titanium limbs could hurt those around it. Even now, however, it’s clear that the robot will be capable of performing repairs in dangerous environments – such as nuclear reactors facing an explosion or about to undergo meltdown.