Atlas, the humanoid robot, delivers match ball at World Cup

The World Cup, known for its human drama and athletic prowess, saw an unusual participant on Sunday: Atlas, an advanced humanoid robot. Developed by Boston Dynamics, Atlas took to the pitch at halftime during the round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium to deliver the official match ball to the referee.

Demonstrating its sophisticated capabilities, Atlas not only walked onto the field but also imitated a few goal celebrations, notably including the signature meditation pose of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. Alberto Rodriguez, director of robot behavior at Boston Dynamics, explained that human skill serves as a constant inspiration for advancing robotic capabilities. "We always looked at human skill as a way to like motivate us and challenge us to push forward what robots can do," he said.

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We always looked at human skill as a way to like motivate us and challenge us to push forward what robots can do.

Presented by tournament sponsor Hyundai Motor, Atlas has previously showcased its agility through dancing and parkour. However, delivering the match ball at a high-profile event like the World Cup presented unique communication challenges. Standard Wi-Fi was unreliable due to the tens of thousands of fans using cellphones, necessitating a new communication channel established via a radio device attached to the robot's back. Additionally, the nuances of walking and running on grass required specific adjustments to Atlas's learning algorithms to ensure robustness.

Hyundai's commitment to advancing robotics is evident in its aggressive pursuit of mass production. The company announced plans to deploy robots, including Atlas, at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia starting in 2028. This initiative aims to automate high-risk and repetitive tasks, further integrating robotic technology into industrial settings.

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And grass has its own peculiarity. We had to change the way that Atlas learns to walk and learns to jump and run so that it's more robust.