Earlier this year, Boston Dynamics showed off a demo of their SpotMini robodog opening a door like a velociraptor. Now, it has acquired a brand new skill. With no lead and no direct guidance, SpotMini can now go on patrol and make its way through a noisy indoor area while avoiding objects and even mastering some stairs.
As noted in the video description, SpotMini is making this route on its own, but it isn’t figuring its path out from scratch. Instead, Spot was trained on this exact path and given an opportunity to see where it was going ahead of time, slurping up data with various cameras. It then uses this data to localize itself in the map to detect and avoid obstacles. Once the operator presses 'GO', the robot is on its own. See it in action below!
If this wasn't enough technology for you, the very same company has created a robot, by the name of Atlas, that can run autonomously and jump over obstacles, in this case, a log. Three years ago, Boston Dynamics released some footage of a Terminator-like humanoid running through a forest aided by a machine. Now that same robot, as shown in the video below, can run across and navigate terrain and obstacles unaided...
With their advanced sensors, hiding from robots has never been viable, but running away from their plodding frames has been, until now. Robots can now run after you.
It might be pure coincidence that Boston Dynamics released their latest videos while government officials, researchers, and industry executives gathered at the White House for a summit on artificial intelligence, but we highly doubt that. If technology keeps advancing as quickly as it is, in a couple of years, we might need some sort of slow-motion camera in order to see Atlas when he's running at full flight...
Before Refrigerators, How Did People Keep Food Fresh?
Ever wondered how people kept stuff cool before the invention of the refrigerator? Let's find out.
These Non-Routine Medical Tests Could Save Your Life!
Here are 8 non-routine tests that really have the potential to save your life, and some of them even need to be taken as early as 30.
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
Ever Wondered Why the Sun Makes You Sneeze?
Ever wondered why looking at the sun or at bright lights makes you sneeze? Turns out, you have a condition.
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
Ever Wondered How Hormones Work? Well, Wonder No More...
Ever wondered how hormones work? Well, wonder no more as this informative TED-Ed video explains all!
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
Check Out This Radio-Controlled Lego-Powered Submarine
This is the height of creativity! Check out this insanely cool Lego submarine. It actually works!
These Photos Show How Dependent We are On Smartphones
Technology has taken over and these funny (but true) photos help to drive this fact home.
What is the Largest Organism on Earth?
You may think you know which animal is the largest on earth, but you may be mistaken...
Fascinating Science: How Old Can We Actually Get?
All things being equal, and technology continually progressing - How old can a human body really get?
Incredible: This Man Got the First Double-Arm Transplant
Felix Gretarsson got burned in both arms and needed the new ones. For that purpose, he went through history's FIRST 2-arm transplant.
6 Shocking Truths About Coffee You Never Knew
Have you been believing these common coffee myths too?
Welcome to the Fastest Maze-Solving Competition Ever Made...
Welcome to Micromouse, a competition for the quick of eyes and the quick of minds. This is the oldest robotics race.
15 Frightening Animals Early Humans Had to Live With
10 scary animals early cavemen in Africa had to deal with 200,000 years ago.
8 Lies We've Been Told About Electricity
These incorrect facts about electricity have been perpetuated long enough. It's time to disprove them.
12 Mind-Blowing Archaeological Discoveries Of 2022
Archaeologists made some remarkable discoveries in 2022. Here is a look at the most fascinating ones.
Amazing Science: THIS is the True Scale of Our Universe...
Get a sense of the true scale and shape of the universe we've discovered so far.
Toilets: The Greatest Medical Advancement in Human History
While toilets make some people laugh, they are actually a deadly serious medical advancement. This video explains what toilets mean to civilization.
This Secret Invention Changed the Course of WW2
Let’s take a closer look at the proximity fuze, also called Vt Fuze, an invention that changed the course of the second World War.
Incredible: First-Ever Complete Map of an Insect's Brain
This incredible project is the first to completely map the brain of an insect, a monumental undertaking even for such a small creature.
What’s it Like Using a 115-Inch TV?!
This colossal 115-Inch TV will transform your viewing experience forever.
Researchers Claim This Ingredient Can Cure Depression!
A preliminary study has suggested that magic mushrooms may be able to soothe the symptoms of depression. Read here to find out more.
50 Crazy But True Facts About Dreams You Need to Know
Here are some strange and unusual facts about dreams that will surprise you.
16 Surprising Things I Never Knew About Sleeping!
Who knew there was so much we don't know about our most popular activity! Here are 16 facts you may not have known about your sleep.
These Expensive Megaprojects Proved to be a Waste of Time
Not all megaprojects are useful. Here are some worthless ones.
The McGurk Effect - Don't Believe Your Eyes!
What we hear can be affected by what we see...
24 Smart Storage Inventions You Didn't Know You Needed
These super useful inventions are designed to make you help space!
3 Surefire Ways to Always Identify Pseudoscience
Find out how you can identify pseudoscience, and learn how it differs from actual science.
The Disappearing Computer: Revolution on a Personal Scale
What happens when we lose the physical large computer all together? This lecture explains what ahead for computers.
GUIDE: How Alcohol Affects Us, Drink by Drink...
In this article, we're going to discuss the exact amounts of alcohol in our blood and what they look like, including how each level affects us and our ability to function.
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
Are You a Late Sleeper? This Super Video Explains Why
Why is it that some people are late risers, and some are morning people? It's all down to our genetics. Have a look here to find out more.
I Bet You Didn't Have a Clue About These Human Body Facts!
The human body is the most complex machine known to mankind, but I bet you don't know these 10 amazing facts about it...
WHY is Sugar So Devilishy Addictive?
There seems to be a fascinating scientific explanation for why our will power is weak when it comes to sugar!
What is Your Consciousness? A Remarkable Video...
This video by Ted-ed searches to explain the origin of consciousness as well as what is consciousness.
The Surprisingly Convoluted History of Traffic Lights
What did the first-ever traffic light look like? Probably stranger than you imagine...
Future Technology: Inventions That Will Change Our World
Check out a few amazing futuristic inventions that are about to become mainstream.
Let's Talk About Size, From Big to Huge.
an incredible discovery that leads us to a better and better understanding of these objects' true size.
Sleep Inventions: 16 Gadgets to Help You Doze Off
If you frequently struggle with sleep, then trying these amazing new sleep innovations could help change your life.
Scientists Develop Wrap That Determines if Food is Spoiled
Scientists at MIT have developed a biodegradable plastic-like wrap that changes color when food goes bad. Find out more…
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
These Will Give You True Perspective About Our World
Just to give you an idea of how big the Earth really is in true perspective to all the other heavenly bodies up there in the cosmos.
Whatever Happened to that Hole in the Ozone Layer?
Let's embark on this enlightening journey to better understand our atmosphere's health.
This Mind-Blowing Talk Explores the Nature of Reality
In this video, cognitive scientist, Donald Hoffman, attempts to answer this mind-blowing question in this incredible TED talk.
10 Real-Life Technologies That Science Fiction Foretold
Sometimes even the wildest science-fiction predictions about the future come true.
Introducing the Astronauts That Were Just Launched Into Space
The two astronauts — veteran NASA fliers Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are honored to have been on this flight. Let's get to know them!