Boston Dynamics joins forces with its former CEO to speed the learning of its Atlas humanoid robot

Boston Dynamics has announced a new partnership with the Robotics & AI Institute (RAI Institute) to enhance reinforcement learning for its electric Atlas humanoid robot. Founded in 2022 by Marc Raibert, the Institute allows for continued research that laid the groundwork for Boston Dynamics.

Both organizations have ties to Hyundai, with the carmaker acquiring Boston Dynamics in 2021 and also funding the Institute. This partnership enables Raibert to explore cutting-edge technologies beyond what is feasible in a commercial company.

The collaboration aims to improve the learning capabilities of the electric Atlas humanoid robot through reinforcement learning. This method, similar to how humans and animals learn, has traditionally been time-consuming but is now more efficient with the use of effective simulation.

The partnership between Boston Dynamics and the RAI Institute focuses on transferring simulation-based learning to real-world scenarios and enhancing the movement and interaction of the Atlas robot in physical environments.

Raibert emphasizes the goal of developing technology for intelligent machines at RAI. The work on Atlas will advance reinforcement learning and expand the robot’s skill set, ultimately improving its capabilities in various tasks.

In related news, Figure AI has decided to develop its own in-house AI models for its humanoid robots, abandoning a partnership with OpenAI. This shift towards vertical integration is seen as crucial for solving embodied AI challenges in real-world settings.

Many companies in the humanoid robotics space are focusing on developing bespoke AI models tailored to their specific robots. Boston Dynamics and the RAI Institute, while separate entities, share common goals and a commitment to advancing technology in the field.