A new video of "Ian", a karate-kicking 6'2 Atlas robot, has been released by Google-owned robotics lab Boston Dynamics.
Perched with balletic poise atop three concrete slabs of brick on one metallic leg, few would suspect that Ian weighs a hefty 150 kg, and has been specially programmed and set up to recreate a martial arts scene from popular movie The Karate Kid (1984).
In fact, judging from Ian's rather slow and creaky moves on video, we'd be hard pressed to believe he was mimicking a scene from the hit film featuring a rather more zipper and flexible Ralph Macchio as its lead protagonist.
Still, Ian's movements and technical intricacies are not to be dismissed. Originally designed to save lives in disaster zones, the robot is part of an ongoing robotics project that has the aim of creating mechanical beings that can replace humans by conducting dangerous and life-threatening tasks -- this is one humanitarian robo.
Boston Dynamics fear-inspiring cohort of robotic beings and animals, have developed leaps and bounds over the years. So far, we've born witness to breezeblock-hurling BigDog, big bad AlphaDog and WildCat, who gallops at 25mph.
Adding to the collection, Ian definitely boasts a technological feat or two. His head is composed of two cameras, and perception algorithms in its laser rangefinder affords Ian depth perception skills lacking in other robots. These attributes allow Ian to perform tasks that his other robotic brethren would be unable to carry out. Given that Ian has 28 moveable joints dispersed throughout his body, the robot can also turn its head and keep an eye on its environment.
Ian has already proved quite resilient; he's able to use both "hands" and "feet" to clamber over uncertain terrain and dangerous obstacles. The robot's also able to carry objects and manipulate vehicles. So while Ian might still need to work on its martial art moves at present, give or take a few years and for better or worse, the robot might pack a powerful punch.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
