The Biggest Urban Legends in Humanoid Robotics
The humanoid robotics sector has its own urban legends that rarely get debunked. The companies building the robots have little incentive to pushback on them so I will.
Atlas
Atlas is a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, first introduced in 2013 with funding from DARPA. Standing about 5 feet tall, it features advanced sensors, hydraulic actuation, and computer vision that allow it to run, jump, backflip, and navigate uneven terrain. Over the years, Atlas has evolved from a tethered prototype to a fully autonomous, battery-powered robot capable of dynamic parkour and complex manipulation tasks. It serves as a research platform for studying balance, motion, and human-like agility, showcasing the frontier of humanoid robotics and AI-driven control.
The Great American Physical AI Gold Rush
America’s physical AI gold rush is exploding. Investors are shifting billions away from LLMs and into next-gen robotics, just as the US government gears up aggressive measures to close the gap on China’s breakneck push.
Robotics Firms Race to Prove Their Machines Can Do Real Work
Amid the physical AI gold rush, robotics firms are making bold moves to prove their machines are ready for real-world labor.
Should Boston Dynamics Be Renamed to Seoul Dynamics?
It’s probably safe to start calling Boston Dynamics a South Korean robotics firm going forward.
America’s Humanoid Robot Race Is Becoming a Battle of Bragging Rights
As the race toward general-purpose robotics heats up, the West’s most well-funded humanoid companies are flexing different strengths.
Boston’s Robotics Empire Is Entering a Brutal New Era… And It’s Getting Weird
There’s a new breed of intelligent machines emerging from Boston’s elite AI and robotics ecosystem.
As Global Rivals Surge, Massachusetts Fights to Regain Its Edge in Physical AI
Several Massachusetts startups are generating global buzz as the state aims to reclaim its position as a leader in physical AI.
The Obsession with Faster Robots Is Getting Out of Control
In the past two years, the fastest humanoid robots have more than tripled their speed. Now the focus is shifting to endurance as more than humanlike machines are put through the ringer for the second annual Beijing Humanoid Robot Half Marathon.
Boston Dynamics Testifies Against Unitree Robotics in Congress
Chinese robotics leader Unitree finds itself in the crosshairs of the US government, which increasingly views its rapid ascent as a national security risk.
Boston Dynamics Is Already Using This New NYC-Built Humanoid
An NYC startup founded by former Meta engineers is generating buzz with its new compact humanoid robot that Boston Dynamics is already using to explore next-gen service applications.
Optimus vs. Atlas: Labor Resistance to the Humanoid Revolution Grows
If it weren’t for the political noise swirling around Davos 2026, the real story would’ve been unmissable: Robots are coming for the jobs, and workers are starting to push back.