Boston Dynamics and Google have reunited to showcase a new phase in humanoid robotics, unveiling progress on the next-generation Atlas robot at CES 2026. The collaboration brings together Boston Dynamics’ expertise in dynamic robot hardware with Google’s latest advances in artificial intelligence, signaling a renewed push toward more capable, adaptable humanoid systems.
The updated Atlas platform reflects a shift away from purely mechanical demonstrations toward robots that can understand context, plan actions, and learn from experience. At CES, the companies highlighted how AI-driven perception and decision-making are being integrated directly into Atlas, moving the humanoid closer to real-world industrial and commercial applications.
A Humanoid Built for Industrial Tasks
The new Atlas stands approximately 6.2 feet tall and features a reach of about 7.5 feet, allowing it to operate effectively in warehouses, factories, and logistics facilities designed for human workers. Its fully electric architecture supports quieter operation and improved energy efficiency compared to earlier hydraulic designs.
Atlas is capable of lifting payloads of up to roughly 110 pounds, enabling it to handle heavy objects such as totes, containers, and industrial components. The robot incorporates fully rotational joints across its body and offers a total of 56 degrees of freedom, supporting complex, whole-body movements and precise manipulation.
A newly designed four-fingered hand improves dexterity and grasp versatility, allowing Atlas to interact with a wide range of objects. The system is sealed to an industrial IP67 standard, providing protection against dust and water and making it suitable for harsh operating environments.
Power, Autonomy, and Control
Battery life for the new Atlas is rated at approximately four hours under typical operation. The robot is designed to swap its own battery packs without human assistance, reducing downtime and enabling longer deployment cycles in industrial settings.
Boston Dynamics highlighted multiple modes of operation for Atlas. The robot can function fully autonomously using AI-driven perception and planning, be remotely operated through a virtual reality interface, or be supervised and controlled using a tablet-based system. This flexibility allows customers to choose different levels of autonomy depending on task complexity and operational requirements.
By integrating Google’s AI technologies, Atlas gains enhanced perception, object recognition, and decision-making capabilities. The robot can interpret complex environments, adjust its actions in real time, and learn from repeated interactions rather than relying solely on predefined scripts.
Renewed Partnership and Market Implications
The collaboration marks a symbolic reunion between Boston Dynamics and Google, which previously worked together during Google’s ownership of the robotics firm more than a decade ago. This time, the focus is firmly on combining mature hardware with scalable AI systems that can support sustained commercial deployment.
Boston Dynamics positioned Atlas as a platform designed to operate within existing human-built environments without requiring major infrastructure changes. The goal is to reduce friction between robots and real-world workplaces, accelerating adoption in logistics, manufacturing, and material handling.
While the companies did not announce deployment timelines or customers at CES, the presentation signaled confidence that humanoid robots are moving closer to practical use. Challenges remain around cost, long-term durability, and large-scale fleet management, but the updated Atlas reflects a clear shift toward production readiness.
The CES 2026 debut suggests that Boston Dynamics and Google see humanoid robots as a cornerstone technology for the next generation of automation. By combining advanced mechanics with AI-driven autonomy, the partners aim to move Atlas beyond spectacle and into everyday industrial operations.
