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Boston Dynamics, the pioneering robotics company, made waves on Tuesday with the retirement of its iconic humanoid robot, HD Atlas. After an impressive 11-year run filled with flips, dances, and internet fame Atlas is being replaced. On Wednesday the company introduced its successor: the new Atlas robot.

HD Atlas 

The journey of Atlas began in 2013 when Boston Dynamics unveiled the first version of the humanoid robot. It was originally conceived as part of a contest project for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

 Built upon the foundation of the Petman project, which focused on testing protective clothing in hazardous environments, Atlas quickly captured the imagination.

The original humanoid Atlas became internet-famous. There are dozens of meme-worthy videos with tens of millions of views posted on YouTube over the years. 

With its ability to perform backflips, navigate obstacle courses, and even showcase karate moves, HD Atlas became an internet sensation. Its retirement was marked with a send-off video, showcasing its capabilities one last time, including its infamous backflips and simulated pain reactions.

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New Atlas Robot

The introduction of the new Atlas marks a milestone for Boston Dynamics. This all-electric successor boasts increased strength and a wider range of motion, compared to its predecessor. One notable advancement is its ability to stand up completely from a prone position, a feat that HD Atlas couldn't achieve.

However, the method by which the new Atlas rises from the ground has raised some eyebrows. Instead of the conventional approach of rolling over and pushing itself up with its arms, the new Atlas employs a novel technique: bending its legs entirely backward, with knee and hip joints rotating nearly all the way around, before pushing itself up as the rest of its body unfurls. This unconventional maneuver, coupled with its eerie backward walking, has sparked discussions online, with some dubbing it "oddly terrifying."

In an interview with IEEE Spectrum, Boston Dynamics' CEO, Robert Palter, shed light on the company's design philosophy for the new Atlas, emphasizing its departure from human-like movements.

 Indeed, the video footage of Atlas standing up showcases a level of motion surpassing that of any living creature on the planet, a testament to Boston Dynamics' commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics technology.