November 12, 2026
Boston Dynamics unveiled a new experiment for its humanoid robot, “Atlas,” during which it replaced its feet with wheels, in a move aimed at improving its ability to move and balance, and execute complex maneuvers.
In the details of the experiment, the researchers attached wheels taken from a scooter to the ankle motors, which gave the robot the ability to slide, change directions smoothly, as well as perform jumps that included a full 360-degree rotation.
This experiment relied on “reinforcement learning” technology. The robot underwent extensive training through repeated simulations, using recordings of human movements to enhance its performance in reality.
According to the development team, “Atlas” was able to accomplish a jump with a full rotation on the first attempt, which reflects a remarkable development in the control systems and their ability to process complex movements with high efficiency.
For its part, the company stressed that the purpose of these modifications is not to dispense with bipedal robots, but rather to test innovative techniques to raise the level of balance and improve the speed of response to sudden changes during movement, in preparation for developing new horizons for robot capabilities in the future.
