Boston Dynamics’ robots dance away the year in style!

31 Dec 2020

Boston Dynamics recently showcased its robots dancing to close out 2020. (Image Credit: Boston Dynamics)

Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Spot robots can perform a variety of tricks, including gymnastic routines, parkour, backflips, opening doors, washing dishes, and sprinting. Now, these robots can dance! In Boston Dynamics’ latest video, Handle, Atlas and Spot, can be seen dancing to the 1962 hit song “Do You Love me?” by The Contours.

Two of the Atlas robots are doing the twist, mashed potato, and other dance moves. Spot, a dog-like robot, and Handle, a wheeled robot designed for warehouse use, joined the dance routine. Boston Dynamics is well-known for demonstrating new capabilities for its robots, but this one is aimed toward ending 2020 on a bright note.

This isn’t the first time Boston Dynamics’ robots have danced. In 2018, the company showcased a video of its Spot robot doing the Running Man to a cover of Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk.” Even though the Handle and Atlas robots are only research prototypes, Boston Dynamics recently began selling the Spot robot to any company for $74,500.

On December 11^th, Boston Dynamics announced it was acquired by Hyundai, which bought an 80% stake in the company, with SoftBank retaining 20%. The company was originally formed in 1992 as a spin-off from MIT. Alphabet’s X division bought the robotics firm in 2013, and then SoftBank bought it in 2017.

Around 100-120 out of 300 of Boston Dynamics’ employees are focused on commercializing Spot. The majority of its recent hires are focused on sales, customer service, and quality control. However, the team focused on Handle, the logistics robot, is expected to grow throughout 2021. The company plans on unveiling the commercialized version of Handle in April 2021. Pilot programs like those offered for Spot are expected to follow with sales starting the following year.

Boston Dynamics also plans on expanding Spot’s available markets. Under Hyundai, the company could continue with the pace of releases set by Spot and Handle.

Boston Dynamics’ research wing, which works on state-of-the-art robots like the humanoid Atlas, is continuing under Hyundai. In 2014, the company no longer accepted new defense contracts, but research is still a major part of Boston Dynamics’ work.

Implementing Boston Dynamics’ research into Hyundai’s Ultimate Mobility Vehicle could be a great fit.