
Last month, I watched in awe as two human-shaped robots effortlessly completed a parkour-style obstacle course, navigating complex terrain and effortlessly finding their footing on the uneven surfaces of a range of objects, placed at distances and angles that would be challenging enough for a human being. The video, released by Boston Dynamics to showcase the capabilities of its Atlas robot, wasn’t the first time I’ve been blown away by this company’s robot skills — nine months ago they released a film of three robots dancing in person unison; and the smoothness and cadence of the movements expressed a musicality that looked alarmingly natural.
In August this year…