Atlas Lifts and Carries a Refrigerator with Both Arms

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\r\nBoston Dynamics released a video on its YouTube channel on the 18th local time showing its humanoid robot Atlas carrying an entire refrigerator. The demonstration drew attention because it showed both full-body control and the ability to manipulate external objects ahead of Atlas' planned deployment at Hyundai Motor Group production sites.
In the video, Atlas bends its knees slightly and lifts a 23-kilogram mini refrigerator with both arms. While holding the refrigerator, it keeps its balance and moves to a table behind it, then carefully sets it down after rotating its upper body 180 degrees. The video ends with a Boston Dynamics developer opening the refrigerator door and taking out a can of drink to sip.
Boston Dynamics explained the technical background in detail on its blog. Using large-scale simulation-based reinforcement learning, Atlas was able to carry out the task in the real world within just a few weeks.
Through the reinforcement learning process, Atlas repeatedly succeeded and failed in virtual space, gradually developing the motor skills needed to approach, recognize, lift, move, and set down the refrigerator in sequence.
According to Boston Dynamics, the simulation training enabled Atlas to successfully carry not only a 23-kilogram refrigerator in the real world, but also one weighing up to 45 kilograms. The Atlas shown in the video is a development model.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to first deploy Atlas from 2028 in processes at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia that have been proven to improve safety and quality, such as sequencing work for parts sorting. From 2030, the company plans to expand its use to parts assembly.
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eastcold@fnnews.com Kim Dong-chan Reporter