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Latest news on Boston Dynamics, the pioneering robotics company known for Spot, Atlas, Handle and other advanced robots, providing updates on new products, research breakthroughs, commercial applications, and key partnerships.

Boston Dynamics, founded in 1992 as a spin-off from MIT, has become a global leader in the development of highly mobile and dynamic robots. With iconic creations like BigDog, Spot, Atlas, and Handle, the company pushes the boundaries of what is possible in robotics. In December 2020, Hyundai Motor Group acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank for approximately $880 million, with SoftBank retaining about 20% ownership.

The company continues to make strides in the commercialization of its robots, with Spot being made available for public purchase in June 2020 at a price of $74,500. Spot has found applications in various industries, from assisting SpaceX at their Boca Chica Starship Test Site to performing inspection tasks on the Skarv floating production storage and offloading vessel. In April 2024, Boston Dynamics announced the retirement of the hydraulic-based Atlas in favor of a new all-electric version, marking a significant advancement in humanoid robotics.

Beyond its technical achievements, Boston Dynamics has captured the public imagination with viral videos showcasing the capabilities of its robots. From Spot opening doors and maintaining balance under interference to Atlas navigating parkour courses, these demonstrations have sparked both excitement and concern about the future of robotics. The company has also engaged with the arts community, with a painting created by Spot selling for $40,000 in March 2022 to benefit Ukrainian refugees.

Boston Dynamics' success is rooted in the groundbreaking work of its founders, Marc Raibert, Nancy Cornelius, and Robert Playter, who established the scientific basis for highly dynamic robots at the MIT Leg Laboratory. Throughout its history, the company has received significant funding from DARPA for projects like BigDog and LS3, aimed at developing robotic solutions for military applications. However, in October 2022, Boston Dynamics signed a pledge stating it would not weaponize its robotic creations.

As Boston Dynamics continues to innovate and expand the possibilities of robotics, our Íæż½ã½ã feed provides comprehensive coverage of the company's latest developments, partnerships, and breakthroughs. Stay informed about the cutting-edge advancements in robotics and the impact of Boston Dynamics' work on various industries and society as a whole.