Zack Jackowski, Atlas development lead at Boston Dynamics, and company researchers discuss training humanoid robots for factory work; Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind explores AI’s capabilities and risks; Palmer Luckey of Anduril describes autonomous weapons; and artists and engineers in Carrara debate robots in sculpture.
Boston Dynamics tested its 5-foot-9, 200-pound Atlas at Hyundai’s Georgia plant, where it practiced sorting roof racks autonomously. Hyundai owns 88% of Boston Dynamics, and the company expects Atlas could take several years to join the workforce full-time. Engineers train it through demonstrations, remote operation, and simulation; skills learned by one Atlas can be shared across the fleet.
Demis Hassabis says AI development is accelerating, with Google DeepMind pursuing systems that can interpret their surroundings and take actions such as booking tickets. He expects more capable systems within five to ten years, while noting current models lack curiosity and may develop unexpected abilities through training. He also raises concerns about misuse, human oversight, and safety standards amid competition.
Palmer Luckey argues that autonomous systems can reduce risks to military personnel and help allies defend themselves. Anduril’s products include drones, an autonomous submarine, and a cockpit-free fighter jet in development; its Lattice platform combines sensor data to coordinate operations. Luckey says human operators can intervene, while critics and international officials object to lethal autonomous weapons.
Robotor uses programmed industrial arms to carve marble, with the company saying machines can perform about 99% of the machining before artisans complete the final work. Some sculptors see the technology as a threat to handcraft, while others say it expands what artists can make and reduces difficult cutting. Artist Richard Erdman says his robot handles about half the work, with him finishing and polishing the stone.
Briefs summarise talks and interviews; timestamps open the video at that moment. Claims in a talk are the speaker's own.
A Boston Dynamics Prototype Operations team member explains how the company builds and improves Atlas, from precision machining through assembly and testing, alongside its engineers.
Boston Dynamics engineers discuss the design, simulation, and dexterity of Atlas’s new hands.
Boston Dynamics’ robotics team discusses Atlas’s path to industrial work at Hyundai Motor Group’s Robotics Metaplant Application Center, with a host visiting the facility.
The Atlas Director of Robot Behavior at Boston Dynamics talks with NEXT host John Koetsier about Atlas’s design, robot intelligence, factory integration, and why legs can suit industrial work.
Chris Thorn, Atlas hardware team lead at Boston Dynamics, discusses the new Atlas design with industrial designers Aaron Abroff and James Kucera at Boston Dynamics.
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, and Atlas engineers Zach Jackowski and Scott Kuindersma discuss training and deploying AI-powered humanoid robots at Hyundai’s Georgia factory and Boston Dynamics’ Massachusetts lab.
