The Institute for Human Learning and Machine Cognition (IHMC) has done Mr. Miyagi proud with new Karate Kid moves for a 6'2" Atlas robot.
In the video below (best viewed at low volume), the 330-pound cyborg shows off its martial arts skills while balancing on one leg atop three cinder blocks.
The robot was built by Boston Dynamics, now owned by Google, while the control algorithm was developed by IHMC.
The technology allows Atlas's 28 hydraulic joints to individually raise its arms into the classic crane pose, eventually mustering enough courage to "kick" its left leg.
Though wobbly, the humanoid robot never falls off its perch. It also doesn't actually perform Ralph Macchio's trademark jump-and-kick move that won him the match three decades ago.
But Atlas's ability to balance and practice various poses is impressive, and points toward a future of butt-kicking robots.
Boston Dynamics, which was acquired by Google in December, showed off its Terminator-like, human-scale robot in July 2013. An update of the previous PETMAN model, the machine features two fully working hands with four fingers and opposable thumbs, a "head" with LIDAR and stereo sensors, automatic crash protection, and an on-board, real-time control computer.
But Atlas is good for more than just recreating 1980s underdog films: The end goal was to make the robot available to teams involved in the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC), which focuses on developing innovative software to control the robot's functions.
IHMC is doing just that, and is one of two teams using an Atlas in the competition, which is scheduled for June 2015.
DARPA has a few other tricks up its sleeve, including the Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T) program, introduced in August, which is looking to create a more mobile, less expensive combat platform.
Last month, DARPA provided a look at its progress, highlighting five of the numerous potential approaches to improving the survivability of ground-based armored fighting vehicles.
Earlier this year, the agency launched a public website called Open Catalog, featuring a curated list of DARPA-sponsored software and peer-reviewed publications. Just in case you're bored on a Friday night.