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When the ATLAS robot was unveiled, there were many folks who balked at the robot’s uneasy stumbling around its environment, trying to navigate simple... ATLAS is ‘Learning’ to Accomplish Tasks Faster

When the ATLAS robot was unveiled, there were many folks who balked at the robot’s uneasy stumbling around its environment, trying to navigate simple obstacles.

Things have come a long way in a short time. ATLAS has quickly adapted to its environment and now is far more capable that it was in its early days. I speak of this time as though it was aeons ago, when in fact it was only a little over a year later.

ATLAS is now capable of accomplishing simple tasks with ease.

ATLAS is now capable of accomplishing simple tasks with ease.

In this video we see IHMC Robotics performing an easy manoeuvre with the ATLAS robot. The programmers have sent a simple footstep plan to the humanoid. The ATLAS robot uses onboard sensors and artificial balance to be able to repeatedly climb up and down a small pile of cinderblocks, without losing balance or falling over in its attempt.

This task is relatively simple and even a toddler would be able to handle it. It has been estimated by some that ATLAS is approximately on the same development cycle. I’m sorry, but that comparison is rather weak, I feel. One of my children is in toddlerhood and I think that the human body is infinitely more advanced than a robot, so personally I don’t see the comparison at all. Now, if you pitted my daughter against ATLAS in a cinderblock throwing competition, then ATLAS would obviously win hands down. It is still no comparison, but it’d be rather fun to watch.

As always, if you would like to leave a sensible comment, then please do so in the comments section below.

[Image via drc.mit.edu]

SOURCE: http://gizmodo.com/atlas-is-getting-faster-and-faster-at-simple-human-task-1650321709