Boston Dynamics Electric Atlas Executes Stunning Backflip
Boston Dynamics’ Santa‑Atlas: The Robot Who Makes Santa Go “Flip‑Tastic”
What’s the Scoop?
Just when you thought the holiday season was all jingle bells and hot cocoa, Boston Dynamics drops a surprise that’s almost as festive as a yule log. Fifty‑one years after the original Robot had its ????? Wait, no, it’s actually a new electric Atlas that’s proving a master of acrobatics—performing a flawless backflip while donning a Santa suit and keeping the hat firmly perched on his head.
Why This Feat Is Pretty Cool
- It’s Not Just About the Flip: While a robot doing a backflip might look like a pizza‑slicing stunt, thousands of engineers have first gotten it to walk on a treadmill.
- Robotics Focus on “Work‑Ready” Moves: First priority has always been “reach that remote” and “carry those boxes.” Yet the Atlas flips like a pro, showing off robustness and resilience.
- Lorraine Wore the Hat the Whole Time: Even when the robot’s tail swings, its Santa attire stays on. That’s a tiny hug‑em‑big‑love moment if you ask us.
Comparing the Old & New
The original Atlas, which first rose to fame in 2017, used hydraulic power to perform similar tricks. The electric model, meanwhile, springs from a newer tech‑stack that’s even more battery‑friendly. Meanwhile, cooler bros like Unitree’s humanoid have burst onto the scene, showing gymnastics chops of their own.
A Quick Takeaway
Bostons’ new robot might seem like a goofy Santa boundary‑breaker, but it’s really a testament to how far the field of robotics has come. Backflips, once a ‘wow!’ moment, are now a stepping stone for more useful tasks—think of them as a robot’s personal training workout.

