Boston Dynamics' humanoid Atlas is dead, long live the ... new commercial Atlas

Video Atlas, the humanoid robot that's been a centerpiece of Boston Dynamics' robot lineup for nearly a decade, has been retired. In its place is, well, Atlas - an all-electric version designed for commercial use. 

Boston Dynamics announced the retirement of the hydraulic version of Atlas (HD Atlas) in a video issued yesterday with no other explanation - only to share that the venerable, much-evolved bot was going to "kick back and relax" in retirement. 

Many eagle-eyed watchers noted how particular Boston Dynamics' wording was in the video, which specified that the hydraulic Atlas was being retired. Speculation was rampant on what was coming in its place, and now we know.

A 39-second video (see below) showing the new all-electric Atlas appeared on YouTube today, showing the robot rising from a lying position in one of the most spooky, inhuman ways possible: By folding its legs and pushing itself up on ...