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Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

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Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#91
post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't really want a robot wandering around doing laundry. I think what most people want is a box you dump clothes in and they come out folded, an extra machine next to the dryer. That would be a genuine time saver. I hate scaling Mount Foldmore.

I don't want more machines taking up space in my home. I don't want a bunch of special purpose "smart" devices with buggy software and dedicated apps requiring logins and firmware updates to plug security holes. I want one robot that can do it all. I'd get rid of my security system, cameras, smart thermostat, dishwasher, clothes washer, stand mixer, toaster, etc etc.

I put the laundry on this morning, came into the kitchen and got a bread mix going, made some toast while that was mixing. The dishwasher was just finishing. Having to wait for one machine to serially finish doing each job not quite as well as a dedicated machine, before doing the next job, doesn't sound ideal. Plus when the dishwasher breaks I can still have toast.

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This statement makes no sense. We have had robots stamping parts for years. There is no need for a humanoid style configuration. Meanwhile what is needed and far more complex are robots that can interact with unpredictable people in unpredictable environments. Boston Dynamics has already demonstrated they can do this.

I'm not sure what part doesn't make sense. Can you clarify where you got confused? Machine presses still have human operators somewhere, even though theres machines and robot arms involved. eg the end of that figure one video. Sure, a dog sized object autonomously not running into objects, some of which can move is an achievement, but it's still just a remote control camera.

You would just change the machine that the human uses. If a task is too difficult and hence needs a human yesterday, and if there is a solution that a humanoid robot can now do today then you would simply get rid of all of the humanoid robotics surrounding the core problem. Even if that means bolting the humanoid to the floor just to use that single part you need.

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#94
post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't want more machines taking up space in my home. I don't want a bunch of special purpose "smart" devices with buggy software and dedicated apps requiring logins and firmware updates to plug security holes. I want one robot that can do it all. I'd get rid of my security system, cameras, smart thermostat, dishwasher, clothes washer, stand mixer, toaster, etc etc.

I put the laundry on this morning, came into the kitchen and got a bread mix going, made some toast while that was mixing. The dishwasher was just finishing. Having to wait for one machine to serially finish doing each job not quite as well as a dedicated machine, before doing the next job, doesn't sound ideal. Plus when the dishwasher breaks I can still have toast.

The robot can do the dishes and the laundry while you aren't even there. No need for that to happen during breakfast! It can start making breakfast before you even wake up, if you want.

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#95

The video is impressive, but how does it learn? How long does it take before it can do something new? I realize this is still very much a research project, but I'd love to understand how it works.

Yeah. The robotics is impressive either way but the AI is unclear.

Happy to be corrected, but AI isn't mentioned in the title or video anywhere. What's with the expectation of learning new tasks? All this would be impressive regardless of that.

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#96
post #24

Chinese Unitree's demos are better by now imo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dFTc4W8wm0

Something rubs me the wrong way when the dog is hit and kicked, and we don't have a dog. I know it's a robot but the same could be demonstrated without clear violence.

Maybe it's just me..

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#97
post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Humans recharge for 1/3 of the day. That's achievable with batteries. The rest schedule might be a bit different.

Well yes but we can perform 16 hours straight then. If you look at what elite alpinists can do (or more like are rarely forced to do) it can be easily 72 hours full on brutal effort on physical and mental limits, with 0 margin for mistake, no food or water. Not so much case here now I presume. Not that that would be a bummer here nor the baseline, but humans can be properly amazing and we keep stretching the possible…

It would actually be illegal for a job to be that demanding.

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#98
post #31

In which aspect is this better than a human?* It's slower, energy-wise more expensive (a human with just a sandwich can work for hours), less preciss and error-prone. As a Manager, I would prefer a person that I can blame (corporative and legally) if something goes wrong, that being responsible (legally, mainly!) if this robot makes a huge mistake. * From a business point of view. This is an incredible techinal achie…

There are just too many of fake humanoid startups that they had to show what the actual state of the art looks like. That's all there is to it.

Re: Boston Dynamics robot Atlas goes hands on [video]

#99
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think the exact point they’re trying to make is that a humanoid robot can pick up one shift exactly where a human left off. No custom robotics, no workplace changes, etc. This is huge for the industry. Smarter Every Day visited a frisbee factory and they had automated a bunch of things. However, every automation point was extremely protected (fenced off) so that a bumbling human couldn’t walk somewhere and get a li…

I keep hearing this but I just think it’s silly, for basically any factory, it’s trivial to change the configuration of a space so a better suited robot can operate rather than build robots that can fit into human sized spaces. Yes there will be use cases but it just seems like a problem looking for a solution most of the time.

Well, you can buy a very specialized machine for one task, or but a less efficient machine that could handle very many tasks.
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