Google’s Boston Dynamics releases video of parcel/box handling robot
Google-owned Boston Dynamics has a released a video on YouTube showing its Atlas “humanoid” robot performing a variety of tasks – including handling parcels/boxes and trudging through snow. In the video uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday (23 February), the robot – a very human-shaped 5′ 9″ and 180-pounds – is shown picking up two 5kg boxes and placing them on a shelf. It also manages to get back on its feet after it is knocked over by a boisterous co-worker.
A number of tech journals have already speculated that the video suggests that potential future applications for the robot could including working in fulfilment centres and delivery services.
Interestingly, Google recently filed a US patent for a driver-less parcel delivery vehicle. Perhaps the two technologies could be matched up to produce a human-free delivery model?
