Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot can land a perfect backflip

Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas has learned a new trick – the backflip.

The bipedal android shows off some impressive (and slightly worrying) gymnastic skills in a new video update from the lab.

The clip, released by Boston Dynamics, shows Atlas completing a series of jumps between platforms, with no awkward movements in between.

Then the robot is shown doing a backflip from a raised platform and landing it perfectly, raising its arms in triumph.

There’s even a shot of it in slow motion for an extra look at how impressive it is.

Atlas is a hydraulic battery-powered robot weighing 75 kilograms, and standing 1.5 metres tall. It has 28 joints allowing it to move.

“Stereo vision, range sensing and other sensors give Atlas the ability to manipulate objects in its environment and to travel on rough terrain,” explains Boston Dynamics. “Atlas keeps its balance when jostled or pushed and can get up if it tips over.”