How Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot achieves creepy stand-up move

Boston Dynamics has provided a detailed explanation of the unusual way its humanoid robot Atlas stands up from the ground—a motion that has intrigued and unsettled viewers due to its non-human, contortion-like appearance. Unlike humans, who stand up using continuous tactile feedback and intuitive muscle coordination, Atlas relies on limited sensors and must carefully calculate each movement to avoid self-collision, such as stepping on its own limbs. The robot’s standing sequence begins with repositioning its legs in a compact, non-human configuration to verify sensor accuracy and ensure no limbs are obstructed. This diagnostic step allows Atlas to confirm all systems are functioning correctly before executing a controlled push to rise, optimizing energy use by aligning its body over its center of gravity. This methodical, sensor-driven process highlights the complexity of seemingly simple human actions when replicated by robots. Unlike humans, Atlas lacks full-body tactile sensing and must perform internal checks to prevent errors, aborting the motion if anomalies are detected. While other humanoid robots employ different, sometimes