Boston Dynamics & the golden age of robots

Where does Boston Dynamics fit in the emerging golden age of robots? In a lot of ways we're entering a golden age of robots. We're seeing prototype humanoid robots from Apptronik, Amazon, Sanctuary AI, Figure.ai, Tesla, Fourier Intelligence, and probably more. And of course Boston Dynamics is the OG of humanoid bipedal robots with Atlas. But there are a lot of form factors out there. And none of them is perfect for everything. In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier dives into the current state and future of robotics with experts from Boston Dynamics. With insights from Alex Perkins, Mike Murphy, and Marco da Silva, the discussion explores whether we are on the cusp of a golden age in robotics. The conversation covers various form factors, including the bipedal Atlas, quadruped Spot, and the wheeled Stretch, highlighting their unique capabilities and applications. The episode also delves into the complexities of robotic design, from gripping mechanisms to AI in training and sensing, and speculates about the future of humanoid robots and their potential societal impacts. Tune in to get an in-depth look at the cutting-edge advancements and real-world deployments that are shaping the future of robotics. 00:00 Introduction to the Golden Age of Robotics 01:13 Meet the Experts at Boston Dynamics 01:45 Are We in the Golden Age of Robotics? 03:17 Exploring Robot Form Factors 04:47 The Evolution of Stretch 08:12 Quadrupeds vs. Bipeds 15:59 The Complexity of Robotic Gripping 21:19 Training and AI in Robotics 25:50 The Future of Humanoid Robots 27:46 Robotics in Addressing Global Challenges 30:54 What's Next for Boston Dynamics?