Robot Parkour

The evolution of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot reflects a shift from research prototype to agile humanoid machine.

Initially unveiled in 2013 as a bulky, tethered robot developed with DARPA support, Atlas could barely walk on uneven terrain.

Over time, upgrades in actuation, battery power, and control algorithms led to remarkable improvements in mobility and autonomy.

By 2016, Atlas could walk untethered and recover from falls.

In 2019, it was performing parkour-style maneuvers and backflips with dynamic balance.

The latest versions use proprietary electric actuators, onboard perception, and real-time planning to execute complex movements like leaping, vaulting, and object manipulation, showcasing near-human coordination in a robotic frame.