Robots may soon become part of everyday household life, according to Robert Playter, the chief executive of Boston Dynamics. Speaking to Euronews Next at the Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon, he said rapid developments in artificial intelligence are transforming the capabilities of modern robots and bringing them closer to real world use in homes and workplaces.
Playter explained that artificial intelligence has opened an entirely new chapter for the robotics industry. Tasks that once seemed far too complex for machines can now be learned through advanced algorithms. As a result, he believes robots could make their way into ordinary homes within the next five to ten years. According to him, the combination of machine learning and improved hardware is creating robots that can understand environments, recognise objects and make safe decisions.
Boston Dynamics is known worldwide for its robot dog that can walk, climb and operate in challenging spaces. Now the company is showcasing its newest model named Atlas. The latest version of Atlas is designed with impressive physical abilities. Playter described it as a machine with superhuman strength and a body that can rotate in full three hundred and sixty degree motion. These capabilities allow it to lift heavy loads and move with remarkable flexibility.
At present, Atlas is being built for industrial settings. It is designed to move extremely heavy items from one location to another within a factory. The goal is to reduce physical strain on human workers and improve safety in environments where heavy lifting is a daily requirement. Playter said that the company is focusing on developing robots that can solve problems, think through challenges and operate without putting people in danger.
He added that Atlas is one of the most complex robots the company has ever created. Building a machine that can handle heavy industrial tasks while also responding intelligently to its surroundings is a significant engineering challenge. According to Playter, much of the work now involves training the robot to handle unexpected situations, learn from experience and operate confidently in dynamic spaces.
The Web Summit conference in Lisbon brought together global leaders in technology, and Boston Dynamics attracted considerable attention with the latest demonstration of Atlas. Visitors watched as the robot performed movements that would be impossible for humans, lifting and twisting with ease.
Although household robots are not here yet, Playter believes the industry is closer than many people realise. As artificial intelligence gets smarter and robot designs improve, the possibility of having robots assist with daily tasks at home is becoming more realistic. For now, the development of Atlas signals a major step forward in the effort to bring advanced robotics into everyday life.
