Boston Dynamics robots might one day take our jobs, but until then, how about a dance party?
The robotics firm today released a three-minute video featuring its Atlas robot dancing to “Do You Love Me?” It’s eventually joined by another Atlas and robot dog Spot, who do the running man and other fancy footwork (ballet leg extensions or Karate Kid crane kicks?). A Handle robot emerges later with some moves of its own.
Boston Dynamics says the video is intended “to celebrate the start of what we hope will be a happier year.” It’s certainly an impressive feat, but it prompted the usual “robot overlord” concerns on social media. It’s nice to know that when they finally vanquish us all, the androids will know how to celebrate.
There are no humans in the clip, save for a lone, masked employee taking in the spectacle from a socially distant viewing deck.
The video comes about two weeks after Hyundai Motor Group bought a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics for $1.1 billion. Hyundai Motor Group will have an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics while SoftBank, through an affiliate, will retain a 20% stake. SoftBank acquired Boston Dynamics from Google parent Alphabet in 2017.
