Boston Dynamics, the robotics affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, has released for the first time a video of the developmental model of its humanoid robot Atlas in operation.

Posted to its YouTube channel on the 5th (local time), the video shows the development model, not a research prototype, moving on its own for deployment in real manufacturing settings, drawing attention.

In the video, Atlas begins in a handstand and performs a high-difficulty move, supporting its entire body on just its hands while keeping the body horizontal. It then supports itself on both hands to form an L shape, holding an L-sit for about five seconds before returning to a standing position. Such movements require precise, simultaneous control of the upper body, core, and arm joints, going beyond simple repetition.

The video is seen as demonstrating the level of technology at Boston Dynamics in stably supporting full body weight on two hands with a small contact area. This shows that Atlas has secured practical capabilities to carry and move heavy objects or work from nonstandard postures in future manufacturing sites. In particular, the model applies a whole-body control method based on reinforcement learning, through which the robot learns motion and balance strategies on its own, enabling more flexible movement.

Notably, this robot is a development model intended for real-world deployment. At the world's largest consumer electronics show, CES, in January, it was displayed in a nonoperational state, which was disappointing, but the new video confirms the autonomous learning ability and flexibility of the first development model bearing the serial number 001.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy this Atlas development model to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in the state of Georgia, United States. After verification by process unit, it will ramp up on-site operational training in manufacturing to maximize production efficiency.