tech
Boston Dynamics' AI-powered humanoid robot is learning to work in a factory
Updated on: June 14, 2026 / 7:00 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Humanoid robots are rapidly advancing, moving from labs to factory floors with the help of artificial intelligence.
- Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, powered by AI and Nvidia chips, is undergoing real-world testing at Hyundai's factory in Georgia.
- Atlas learns through supervised learning, teleoperation, and motion capture, enabling it to perform tasks autonomously.
- While current humanoids can't perform all daily human tasks, there is a clear path toward greater capabilities.
- Companies like Tesla, Amazon-backed startups, Nvidia, and Chinese firms are also competing in the development of human-like robots.
- The market for humanoids is predicted to reach $38 billion within the decade, with significant investment from companies like Hyundai.
- While some express concerns about job displacement, proponents argue that robots will handle repetitive labor, requiring human management and servicing.