This article was taken from the January 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Meet the Pentagon's 1.9m, 150kg humanitarian robot, Atlas. He was designed to save lives in disaster zones (such as Fukushima).
But although this Tin Man has a heart, he lacks a brain. In December, seven teams of scientists from institutions including MIT and Virginia Tech will compete to code the bot for action. Each team will send its own Atlas into Darpa's trials - eight tasks that will test his ability to navigate degraded terrain, drive a utility vehicle and enter buildings. "We designed Atlas to facilitate programming -- but we expect Darpa to make the competition challenging," says Marc Raibert, president of Boston Dynamics, Atlas's maker. Here's the skinny on the massive bot.
Vision
Lidar, stereo cameras and perception algorithms in Atlas's head-mounted sensor package give him a wide field of view.
Computer
An onboard system monitors sensors, controls actuators, collects data and communicates with a remote user.
Hands
The robot's wrists accept numerous accessories. Some even have fingers, so Atlas can use tools such as screwdrivers.
Stature
Atlas's predecessor, Petman, was the size of an average western male; the new bot is several centimetres taller.
Joints
With 28 hydraulically actuated joints, Atlas can perform a range of motions: he can jump, crouch and tackle stairs and rough terrain.
Feet
Made for walking: Atlas takes elegant heel-to-toe strides.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
