Watch as remarkable Google robot is bashed and bullied but bounces back

It looks just like a Terminator … and just like the Arnold Schwarzenegger cyborg, this is one robot it’s impossible to push around. The Atlas robot, designed by Google subsidiary, Boston Dynamics, can be bullied and bashed but it just gets up and gets on with the job. Its incredible capabilities are revealed in a video showing it being poked, tormented and even knocked over by a researcher. The 5ft 9in (175cm) human-like robot, rights itself and ploughs on with its task of moving boxes.

It is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated. It uses sensors in its body and legs to balance and LIDAR and stereo sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess the terrain and help with navigation.

Boston Dynamics

In the video, Atlas shows off its strength by lifting two 10lb boxes on to some shelves, before a man knocks a box out of its hands to see how it reacts. But it’s not a problem for Atlas, which goes to pick it up and carry on with its tasks. It successfully walks over bumpy, snow-covered terrain, before strolling side-by-side with one of the developers. Perhaps the most impressive moment in the clip is when the 13-stone (80kg) Atlas is shoved over - falling flat on its front. For most robots, that would be game over - but Atlas uses its arms to thrust itself back onto its feet before walking off.

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