Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
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THE ROBOT GYM — When I was about 9 I decided I was going to build a robot. I started collecting spare parts and stashing them in our unfinished basement.
I had some empty spray paint cans that I figured could be used for arms, and various screws and bolts because I assumed I'd need a number of those. I collected junk, basically, for months.
One day, my mom came across said debris in the basement and asked what this was all about. I explained I was building a robot, and in supportive mom fashion she said, "OK. Don't hurt yourself and clean up when you're done."
Turns out, you need more than old metal to make a robot. I never finished my project.
While my robot was a failure, Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot is anything but. You've probably seen their robot videos before, but the newest one where they have their machines doing parkour may be their most incredible.
It's hard to believe it's real when you see these things move, but it's all legit as you can see from this video offering more background. The parkour video is awesome, but the falls the robots take in the explainer video may be the best part of the whole thing.
While my mom is likely wildly disappointed that I gave up on robots and now just write about really smart and dedicated people who do build robots, at least she can take comfort in knowing I at least cleaned up the basement.
Wait ... I never did. Sorry, mom.
Have You Seen This?
This trucker has both mad skills and some English manners
Few things give me more anxiety than backing up a trailer. This trucker is my hero.
