LG's electronics subsidiary is partnering with the creator of legged robots to develop a state-of-the-art vision module. LG will handle the hardware, while Boston Dynamics will design the software to process all this visual data. This is a way for LG Innotek to step out of its automotive comfort zone and enter the booming world of robotics.
Smartphone eyes in a metal body
The new system will combine traditional cameras and 3D sensors to allow robots to see properly, even in the dark or when it's raining cats and dogs. No more robots bumping into things!
"We want our robots to see as well as we do. Our goal is to create vision systems as advanced as those in your phones," explains Robert Playter, the boss of Boston Dynamics, obviously very enthusiastic.
LG isn't exactly new to the field. The company already supplies cameras for many smartphones and self-driving cars. They also presented their "Sensor Pod" at CES 2024, a compact module packed with sensors for driverless cars, which they are now adapting to robots.
Moon Hyuksoo, CEO of LG Innotek, is smiling broadly: "Partnering with Boston Dynamics gives us a head start in the market. We will continue to create components that will be successful in the world of robotics."
Hyundai, which owns Boston Dynamics, is betting big on the Atlas robot, now 100% electric. Out with hydraulics, in with electrics! The new Atlas, unveiled last April, is much more robust than its predecessor. It moves better and can lift heavy and irregularly designed objects without getting its grippers tangled. In fact, the team is working on new "hands" so Atlas can manipulate even more objects.
Starting this year, Atlas will make its first appearance in Hyundai factories. This initiative is part of Hyundai's colossal $21 billion investment plan in the United States, $6 billion of which is earmarked for strategic partnerships.
Hyundai has already put the robot dog Spot to work inspecting its facilities and preventing breakdowns. The automaker is determined to radically transform its factories with robots and AI.
With the market for humanoid robots expected to explode to $38 billion by 2035, Atlas has everything it needs to become the model worker of the future—and let's hope it doesn't eliminate thousands of jobs...
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