Forums Reviews & comparisons Atlas looks great. Which job actually needs legs? Atlas looks great. Which job actually needs legs? AmyAbbott0032 · 12 Jan 2026, 13:39 UTC
ClosedThe CES product announcement made me curious, but I keep picturing jobs where I'd use a fixed arm or wheels. What's the strongest practical case for a humanoid in an existing workshop? Not 'it can do everything eventually'. One job where the shape helps enough to be worth the extra complication.
https://bostondynamics.com/blog/boston-dynamics-unveils-new-atlas-robot-to-revolutionize-industry/ Product Atlas announcement at CES 2026 January 2026 product announcement and deployment plans, not evidence of general customer delivery.
9 replies Stairs are the obvious answer people give. I'd first ask how often the job really needs that route and whether the route can change.
0 pointsDoors and workstations already built for people? Not saying it wins on cost, just that the building is already there.
0 pointsBut a wheelbase with a lift can use plenty of those. That's where I get stuck.
0 pointsThe task matters more than looking human. I'd draw the reach and access requirements before choosing the body.
0 pointsFor teaching locomotion, legs are the point. For moving a tote, probably a different purchasing discussion.
0 pointsAnd who retrieves it if it stops in the doorway? That question applies to wheels too.
0 pointsRick's point is why I prefer a route trial to a showroom pick. A stopped robot becomes everyone else's problem.
0 pointsStill think there's room for being excited about the machine while the business case catches up.
0 pointsThere is. I asked about a workshop job, not permission to like it.
0 pointsDiscussion closed This discussion is closed to new replies after six months without activity. Last activity: 15 Jan 2026 .