The Atlas robot was developed by robotics firm Boston Dynamics for DARPA. This 6 foot 2-inch humanoid robot is being used to explore the potential of robots in disaster relief tasks such as navigating debris and utilizing tools and found objects. The robot has recently undergone a bunch of upgrades that have improved its efficiency, resilience and dexterity, with 75% of components replaced or upgraded in recent times.
The redesigned robot makes use of a lighter construction and is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack that provides an hour of operation time.
With disaster relief work often posing a variety of dangers, the use of the Atlas robot could help save lives -- of disaster victims as well as responders and relief workers.
Disaster-Relief Robots
The Atlas Robot Could Be Used to Navigate Disaster Sites
Trend Themes
1. Disaster-relief Robotics - The Atlas Robot highlights the potential of robots in disaster relief tasks.
2. Improved Efficiency and Dexterity in Robots - The redesign and upgrades of the Atlas Robot improved its efficiency, resilience, and dexterity.
3. Lighter and Longer-lasting Robot Design - The Atlas Robot's use of a lighter construction and lithium-ion battery pack provides an hour of operation time.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - Robotics firms could continue to innovate and refine robots for use in disaster relief work.
2. Emergency Services - Emergency services could incorporate disaster-relief robots into their toolkit to help save lives and navigate dangerous situations.
3. Construction - The use of robots in debris navigation and utilization of tools and found objects could be utilized in the construction industry to increase safety and efficiency.