Encountering Boston Dynamics' latest Atlas robot was nothing short of mesmerizing. Before this humanoid marvel embarks on its debut work assignments later in the year, I had the incredible chance to meet it up close at CES 2026, where it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the event.
Katie Collins, a principal writer and tech policy correspondent for CNET in Europe, brings us insights into this cutting-edge technology. Katie covers a broad spectrum of topics, including ethics in tech, human rights, and innovations aimed at addressing global challenges. Notably, she is known for her engaging writing style and unique personal experiences, such as having a microchip implanted in her hand, which earned her the moniker "living synth" from London's Evening Standard.
In my hands-on experience with the Atlas robot, I mean that I literally held its hand! Awarded the Best Robot of CES by CNET, this humanoid robot represents one of the most advanced robotic technologies available today. The version of Atlas I interacted with is poised for delivery to Hyundai factories, signifying a significant step toward its operational future. Although the specific model I encountered was non-operational and merely a static representation, I couldn't resist running my fingers over its soft-touch plastic exterior and poking at its articulated finger joints, pondering how it would feel if those fingers were to grip mine.
The emotions evoked by humanoid robots can be quite mixed, and it's easy to see why. Built to mimic human form yet possessing capabilities that often exceed our own, these machines bring with them both fascination and apprehension. Standing before Atlas, I felt a blend of admiration for the engineering prowess behind it, a tinge of fear regarding its potential applications, uncertainty about what this technology means for humanity’s future, and an undeniable appreciation for its sleek design. The periwinkle blue version of Atlas I met bore more resemblance to a high-end tech product than to the industrial robots Boston Dynamics was once famous for developing for DARPA.
Zachary Jackowski, Boston Dynamics' Vice President and general manager for Atlas, explained the uniqueness of this robot's design, pointing out its unconventional leg structure, which sets it apart from other humanoids currently on the market. Atlas features narrow thighs aligned with its torso, while its calves are more widely spaced, connected to the upper sections via a circular joint. This robot truly emphasizes gentle curves and smooth lines, steering clear of harsh angles or aggressive shapes common in industrial robotics.
In a year when CES has seen an influx of humanoid robots, Atlas distinguishes itself through its design, appearing less human-like and more approachable than others. Instead of the intimidating, blank faces that characterize many humanoids, Atlas sports two low-set cameras that resemble eyes but are positioned where one might expect a mouth to be. Its face is a simplistic flat circle, accentuated by an LED halo that gives it an endearing, Pixar-like quality.
I was curious about the rationale behind Boston Dynamics opting for a less human-like appearance. Jackowski remarked, "It's not a human. It creates misleading expectations to have a robot pretend to be something it fundamentally isn't." He emphasized that most early humanoids lack any semblance of human-level intelligence. Instead, people should view Atlas as a sophisticated tool designed for accomplishing tasks with safety and efficiency.
Every design choice made for Atlas was aimed at maintaining simplicity, scalability, and safety, according to Jackowski. I couldn't help but find irony in labeling a humanoid robot as simple, considering the intricate technology and extensive development efforts that brought it to life. Jackowski elucidated that achieving simplicity requires a deep understanding of the technology; thus, they could reduce the number of computers and actuators while still achieving impressive results.
Boston Dynamics wants Atlas to be perceived as straightforward, as it is intended to be a versatile humanoid capable of performing various tasks across different environments. Jackowski refers to it as the "ultimate generalist." Despite its simplicity, he highlighted aspects that make Atlas stand out from the competition, such as its exceptional repairability, impressive runtime, and unmatched strength.
Atlas's immediate role will involve working in Hyundai manufacturing plants. However, its trajectory may eventually lead it to environments similar to those where Boston Dynamics' Spot robot operates, and even into fields like hospitality or household assistance. Jackowski indicated that the robot will continue to evolve, hinting at a future where it could become our domestic companion.
However, that future is still a bit distant. As I looked up at Atlas, which I estimated to be around my husband's height, I couldn't shake the feeling that, despite its remarkable capabilities, I wasn’t quite ready for it to join my household.
