CLIP: Boston Dynamics Atlas vs. Tesla Optimus

There's a new humanoid robot in town that moves like a contortionist RoboCop. Will the new Atlas compete with its fellow humanoid robots like the Tesla bot and Digit from Agility Robotics in doing warehouse work? Boston Dynamics has given some hints. New grippers are in development that could serve a variety of functions, and the new design signals the company's move toward commercialization.

For example, the Tesla bot is often shown performing various types of labor with the occasional yoga pose thrown in. On the other hand, Boston Dynamics' promotional videos for Atlas have tended to focus on the robot's capabilities with the occasional work task included. Tesla says Optimus is made for tasks that are "unsafe, repetitive, or boring," while Boston Dynamics states that Atlas is made for tasks that are "dull, dirty, and dangerous."

This fits into the overarching industry-wide sales pitch that claims robots aren't here to take your jobs; they're here to augment people or to do the jobs that most people don't want. How that will play out in reality remains to be seen.

Keywords

Humanoid robot
Boston Dynamics Atlas
Tesla Optimus
Agility Robotics Digit
Warehouse work
Commercialization
New grippers
Unsafe repetitive tasks
Dull dirty dangerous
Industry-wide sales pitch

FAQ

Q: What new features are being developed for Boston Dynamics' Atlas? A: Boston Dynamics is developing new grippers that could serve a variety of functions, indicating a move towards commercialization.

Q: How does Tesla's bot Optimus differ in its promotional material from Boston Dynamics' Atlas? A: Tesla's promotional material often shows Optimus performing various types of labor with the occasional yoga pose, whereas Boston Dynamics focuses on the capabilities of Atlas with occasional work tasks included.

Q: What tasks are Tesla’s Optimus and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas designed to perform? A: Tesla says Optimus is designed for tasks that are "unsafe, repetitive, or boring," while Boston Dynamics states that Atlas is made for tasks that are "dull, dirty, and dangerous."

Q: Are robots intended to take over human jobs according to industry claims? A: No, the industry-wide sales pitch suggests that robots are here to augment human capabilities or to perform jobs that most people do not want.