For many years now, I have been making an attempt to reassure folks that the approaching robotic revolution won’t lead to job loss for us people. It is a notion I firmly believed – or not less than did till this morning.
Earlier this week, Boston Dynamics launched a contemporary demonstration video of its new Atlas humanoid robotic (see under). Unveiled earlier this yr, this Atlas is a wholesale redesign and radical improve from its already spectacular and Parkour-performing unique Atlas. This new robotic appears to be like much more like us, although it will probably transfer in ways in which none of us can.
The newest video is in some methods unremarkable: One other humanoid robotic performing drudgery duties we would relatively not carry out. On this case, Atlas is sorting plastic engine covers between a provider container with horizontal slots and one thing referred to as a “cellular sequencing dolly” with vertical slots. It does so within the drab environs of what seems to be some kind of manufacturing facility, although it is in all probability only a warehouse in Boston Dynamic’s improvement campus.
What’s outstanding in regards to the practically three-minute video is that Altas is doing all of it autonomously. That is proper, in contrast to the remote-controlled Optimus robots Elon Musk and Tesla tried to pawn off as self-directed at his “We, Robotic” occasion, there may be, based on Boston Dynamics, nobody guiding Atlas’ movement or choices.
Within the video, Atlas faces a cart filled with plastic engine cowl trays. The robotic first reaches for one, putting its two ‘fingers’ beneath the quilt, after which pulls it ahead. Atlas then releases its grip and rotates its hand in order that one ‘finger’ is on high and the opposite is on the underside, grabs the tray, and pulls it out.
Considered from a distance, you would be forgiven for assuming you have been watching a slow-moving human employee. After all, the following bit would belie that notion. Atlas seems to stroll backward towards the vertical set of tray holders but in addition twists its physique round because it strikes. As I stated, it will probably do some issues not potential with a human physique.
Earlier than inserting the tray into its new holder, Atlas seems to look at it. Later, we see an inset video feed that reveals us how Atlas’s imaginative and prescient system is assessing the scale and form of the tray.
Atlas continues its work, crouching and bending right down to seize engine covers on decrease cabinets. All of it goes easily, apart from one second when a tray will get caught on the material edge of 1 shelf. As an alternative of pulling it again slowly, Atltas yanks it again earlier than easily inserting the half.
Like I stated, not precisely compelling viewing besides when you think about what this implies. Robots are extensively utilized in manufacturing and warehouses however they’re usually not employed when tremendous motor controls are required and particularly not in locations that require on-the-fly choices.
It is clear from this video, nonetheless, that we’re on the trail to the place robots that look and work like us will quickly stand alongside or change manufacturing unit employees. They will do the job in addition to us but in addition be capable of stroll backward whereas turning their head round 180 levels.
Plus, with the introduction of generative AI, robots like Boston Dynamics Atlas will be capable of report on their work, reply while you ask them questions on manufacturing ranges, and even be part of you for some witty banter at lunchtime (they nonetheless will not eat however could plug in for an hour).
So now I’ve to regulate what I inform individuals about robots: They will not take our jobs but, however in 10-20 years, you might be searching for one other line of labor.
