Boston Dynamics recently unveiled its humanoid robot Atlas performing a handstand and an L-sit, marking the first operational footage of the development model being prepared for industrial use.

The sequence begins with Atlas balanced on its hands, body held nearly horizontal. It then shifts into an L-sit, a gymnastic position where the body forms an 'L' shape supported entirely by the arms. The robot holds the pose for approximately five seconds before swinging upright to a standing position. The movement showed no visible shaking despite the small contact area of the hands.

The robot in the video is distinct from the research model that has appeared in past demonstrations of parkour and backflips, claims the company. Boston Dynamics identified it as the development version, displaying the serial number '001' on the torso. At CES in January, the company presented the development model on stage, but it was not operational at the time.

The company attributes the robot's control to whole-body reinforcement learning, a method that allows the machine to learn movement and balance through simulation and trial and error. The company says this approach is suited to actions that involve continuous changes in posture and contact with surfaces.

According to Boston Dynamics, the ability to support full body weight on small surfaces has industrial applications, including lifting heavy objects and operating in positions that standard equipment cannot manage. The development model is scheduled for deployment at Hyundai Motor Group's Metaplant America electric vehicle factory near Savannah, Georgia.