We all can relate.
Gag Reel
Last week, Boston Dynamics shared a video of its humanoid robot Atlas showing off in a mock construction site. The crafty bipedal bot navigated a series of obstacles to toss a bag of tools to a human construction worker up on some scaffolding a, and then performed a deft backflip for good measure.
But, as suspected, it took the robot a few takes before it could do the whole performance flawlessly.
On Thursday, Boston Dynamics tweeted out a video of some behind the scenes bloopers, and they're absolutely comical. Though whether you're laughing because you find Atlas adorable or because you're fueled by fear of such eerily humanoid robots that could end up being our "Terminator"-style oppressors — well, we won't judge.
When we stick the landing every time, it’s time to move on to the next trick. Check out our blog to learn how we push Atlas to the limits and why it matters. https://t.co/WuhZO6baRr pic.twitter.com/cR00NKgvp6
— Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) January 26, 2023
Safety First
Atlas miserably fails in all sorts of ways that most of us can probably relate to, like tripping over itself while scooting backwards and then falling on its ass. Or doing an impressive trick like a backflip and then fumbling its celebration right after. Or just, y'know, freezing up when everyone's watching.
In addition to reminding us that these robots have a way to go before becoming humanity's unerring arbiters, Atlas's workplace mishaps also spotlight the multiple OSHA violations identified after the original video's release.
Take Atlas jauntily galloping up to an unsecured plank of wood serving as a bridge and then immediately tumbling off on a step that completely misses. That's why you have walkways that are at least a foot and a half wide, provide guard rails, and provide fall protection in case everything goes wrong.
There's also when Atlas seems to lose its bearings after doing a backflip — you're supposed to train employees so they know not to do something so reckless on a construction site.
More on robots: Scientists Create Shape-Shifting Robot That Can Melt Through Prison Bars
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