Boston Dynamics has recently unveiled a new hand for its highly advanced humanoid robot named Atlas. A video showcases the hand’s new capabilities, including handling a drill. In this demonstration, an operator is seen controlling the robot remotely, aiming to provide a glimpse of what will soon be achievable. Boston Dynamics is currently exploring how Atlas can learn autonomously rather than being specifically trained. The robot can already fully autonomously utilize the new hands. In a demonstration, Atlas adeptly manipulates two golf balls in one hand, not needing a little finger for the task.
According to the company, adding another finger would not justify the increased complexity and power consumption. The hand is equipped with a thumb and three other fingers, and its design is nearly as intricate as that of a small independent robot. Dylan Thrush, a mechanical engineer at Boston Dynamics, mentions that the improved hands now offer 13 degrees of freedom, a significant upgrade from the previous seven. Given Boston Dynamics’ plan to deploy the robot in automotive assembly lines, the extra degrees of freedom are expected to be beneficial in that setting.
The new hand is slightly larger and more robust than an average human hand. Boston Dynamics also anticipates that the enhanced flexibility will assist in avoiding movements that could potentially damage the hand’s mechanical components. The company is striving to enhance the robot’s functionality and versatility through such technological advancements.
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