atlas-robot-jump
A humanoid robot can do backflips now. Boston Dynamics

The robot apocalypse is almost upon us, if this video of a robot practicing its jumping skills is any indication.

Robotics company Boston Dynamics shared a video of Atlas, a humanoid robot, limbering up with some vertical jumps and twists and then capping off its display with a backflip. At the end of the video, when the robot completely sticks the landing, Atlas puts up its arms in a sign of victory.

Hopefully robots won’t one day use these skills to hunt down humans.

If you are worried about the quick progress of these humanoids, there are still kinks to work out — the video includes two outtakes of messier backflip attempts in which the robot does not land steadily on its feet. During the last outtake, it falls forward and knocks over the box it had jumped from.

According to the Boston Dynamics website, Atlas is about 5 feet tall and weighs about 165 pounds. It runs on battery power, is capable of carrying about 25 pounds and was constructed using 3D printed parts.

The balancing skills displayed in the video are not just for fun; they are key to the machine’s design and value.

“Atlas’ ability to balance while performing tasks allows it to work in a large volume while occupying only a small footprint,” the company explains. There is a video on the Atlas description page of someone pushing the robot with a hockey stick as it maintains its footing. “Atlas keeps its balance when jostled or pushed and can get up if it tips over.”