Upon entering a United Airlines aircraft, the gate agents, flight attendants, and other personnel responsible for ensuring the timely departure of your trip engage in a chatroom where they coordinate various tasks that, ideally, you as a passenger will remain oblivious to. Is there still available capacity for carry-on luggage? Was the caterer able to provide the absent orange juice? Is there a method to ensure that a family can be seated together?

Upon a flight delay, a notification containing a detailed explanation will be sent via text message and will also be available on the United app. Typically, the message is generated using artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, at offices worldwide, dispatchers are analyzing this up-to-the-minute data to guarantee that the crew can still lawfully operate the aircraft without violating FAA restrictions. Recently, United activated their artificial intelligence customer support chatbot.

Jason Birnbaum, appointed as United’s Chief Information Officer in 2022, oversees a workforce of more than 1,500 employees and over 2,000 contractors who are accountable for all the technological aspects of the company’s operations.

“The aspect of our business that I find enjoyable is the same aspect that you find displeasing,” he expressed during our recent conversation. “I worked at GE for an extended period of time in the appliance industry. If we were absent for a day, I doubt anyone would take notice.” The statement would be: ‘The production of dishwashers is not proceeding well.’ However, it lacked newsworthiness. Currently, in the event of any occurrence, even if it lasts for a mere 15 minutes, it not only spreads rapidly throughout various social media platforms but also prompts press vehicles to converge at the airport.

Prior to joining United, Birnbaum accumulated 16 years of experience at GE, progressing from the role of technology manager to ultimately serving as the Chief Information Officer of GE Consumer and Industrial, located in Budapest. In 2009, he assumed the role of Chief Information Officer for GE Healthcare Global Supply Chain. In 2015, he became the Senior Vice President of Digital Technology at United. In this role, he oversaw the implementation of projects such as ConnectionSaver, which is one of United’s initial services that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning. ConnectionSaver is designed to proactively delay flights when passengers have limited time between connections. This service personally saved me from spending 12 hours at San Francisco International Airport last week.

I desired to engage in a conversation with Birnbaum regarding his thoughts, as well as those of other Chief Information Officers (CIOs) at multinational corporations, on the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI). The airline is exploring that particular domain of innovation. Prior to discussing AI, it is important to note that United is now in the process of transitioning its services to the cloud. The current trend in cloud computing revolves around the optimization of cloud infrastructure and cost reduction.

“I am beginning to notice the emergence of companies and startups that focus on optimizing and managing cloud services.” Many individuals are currently concerned with inquiries such as, ‘Do you possess a substantial amount of data that I can optimize storage for?’ Alternatively, ‘You have a multitude of new applications; may I assist you in enhancing your monitoring capabilities?’ “Due to the obsolescence of your previously utilized tools,” he stated. According to him, the era of digital transformation may have come to an end, and we have now entered the era of cloud optimization.

United Airlines has made significant investments in cloud computing, notably Amazon Web Services (AWS), which it has chosen as its preferred cloud provider. Not unexpectedly, United is also examining how the company might enhance its cloud utilization, considering both cost and dependability factors. For many firms undergoing this process, it also involves assessing developer productivity and incorporating automation and DevOps approaches. “We have arrived.” “While we already have a well-established presence in the cloud, we are now actively seeking ways to further optimize our operations,” Birnbaum stated.

However, this also relates to the dependability of the matter. Similar to other airlines, United continues to utilize numerous legacy systems which remain functional. “To be honest, we are extremely cautious as we progress through this process, ensuring that we do not interfere with the operation or cause harm to ourselves,” he stated.

United has previously migrated and deactivated numerous legacy systems, and this process is still in progress. In the upcoming months, the corporation plans to deactivate a substantial Unisys-based system. However, Birnbaum maintains the belief that United will persist in utilizing on-premises technology. “I simply desire to be in the optimal locations for applications and user experience,” he stated, whether it is for reasons of performance, privacy, or security.

However, the corporation is not attempting to develop a comprehensive United Platform that would manage all of its systems. According to Birnbaum, the day-to-day operations of airlines are too complex to simplify. Certain platforms oversee the management of bookings, ticketing, and bag tracking, while others specifically deal with crew assignments.

When a malfunction occurs, it is imperative for such systems to collaborate seamlessly and operate with minimal delay. That is the reason why United is placing its trust in a single cloud supplier. “I do not anticipate that we will have a single platform,” Birnbaum stated. “I believe we will become highly proficient in establishing connections between objects and enabling seamless communication between applications.”

Practically speaking, this implies that the crew can now track the caterer’s arrival time and the individuals who have completed the check-in process for the flight. The ground teams and flight attendant crews have the ability to observe all of that information via their internal chat application as well.

Each flight possesses an artificial intelligence narrative.
Amidst the ongoing development, United is also exploring the most effective ways to utilize artificial intelligence (AI).

An anecdote frequently recounted regarding AI/ML in major corporations is that ChatGPT did not fundamentally alter the mindset of technologists but rather prompted its rapid inclusion in boardroom deliberations. The same applies to United as well.

“Our AI practice was quite advanced,” Birnbaum responded when questioned about the moment he recognized the importance of generative AI. “We have developed numerous functionalities to effectively handle models, perform tuning, and other related tasks.” Fortunately, we had previously made a substantial investment in this skill, which was advantageous for us. The arrival of ChatGPT did not necessitate that we treat it seriously. The person inquiring about the matter was the CEO and the board, who expressed a sudden interest in obtaining further information.

Birnbaum stated that United has a strong and optimistic outlook on artificial intelligence. “The travel industry offers numerous opportunities for the application of AI, benefiting both customers and employees.” One example of such a campaign is United’s “Every flight has a story.”

Until recently, it was common to receive a notification regarding a flight delay without any other details. Perhaps the arrival of the flight was postponed. Perhaps there was a technical malfunction. In recent years, United Airlines has implemented the use of agents to compose concise notifications that elucidate flight delays. These notifications are disseminated through the airline’s mobile application and as text messages. Currently, the majority of these messages are generated by artificial intelligence, with data being sourced from the chat app and other platforms.

Similarly, United is considering the utilization of generative AI to condense flight information for its operations personnel, enabling them to obtain a concise summary of ongoing events.

Recently, United completely transitioned their chat system on United.com to an artificial intelligence agent as well. According to Birnbaum, the system felt significantly restricted in my personal experiments, but it is merely an initial step.

Notably, Air Canada previously employed an AI bot that occasionally provided incorrect responses, but Birnbaum expressed less concern regarding this matter. Technically, the bot utilizes United’s knowledge library to effectively manage hallucinations. “However, in my opinion, the Air Canada incident was not a failure of technology but rather a failure of customer service. I would like to refrain from commenting extensively, but I must point out that even today, our human agents also provide incorrect answers.” We simply need to confront and accept that situation and proceed. “I believe we are adequately prepared for that particular situation,” Birnbaum stated.

United intends to introduce a tool later this year, now referred to as “Get Me Close.” Frequently, in the event of a delay, consumers are inclined to modify their arrangements in order to transfer to a neighboring airport. On one occasion, United Airlines transferred me to an aircraft bound for Amsterdam when my original ticket to Berlin was cancelled. Although not in close proximity, it was nonetheless feasible for me to take a train and successfully moderate a keynote session the next morning.

Although our mobile solutions are highly effective, the interactions between individuals often focus on creating a wider range of choices when they engage in face-to-face conversations. Essentially, you are asking if it is possible to change your destination from New York to Philadelphia due to a flight delay. Can you bring me near? We are of the opinion that AI is very suitable for facilitating engagement.

Artificial intelligence for pilots?
Following the development of the automated system that generates delay “stories” within the application, Birnbaum’s team is currently contemplating potential applications for the same generative AI technology. One aspect that can be addressed is the concise pre-flight briefings often provided by pilots before takeoff.

“A pilot approached me and mentioned that some pilots excel at using the public address system to greet passengers and provide information about the flight to Las Vegas.” The individual inquired if it would be possible to develop an artificial intelligence system that assists introverted pilots in creating informative and engaging announcements regarding their flight destinations. “And I believed that was an excellent example of practical application.”

Pilot engagement is revealed to be a significant factor in determining customer happiness for airlines. In recent years, United Airlines has shifted its attention towards improving its Net Promoter score. As part of this effort, the airline instructed its pilots to make announcements on flight delays while positioned at the front of the aircraft cabin. It is logical for the airline to examine how it can enhance this vital contact while also considering the possibility of pilots deviating from the planned course of action.

Generative AI can also assist pilots by condensing intricate technical documents into concise summaries. However, as Birnbaum correctly pointed out, all aspects of the pilot’s role in flying the plane are extensively organized and controlled, so it will take some time before the airline introduces any new initiatives in that area.

Boston Dynamics is discontinuing its hydraulic robot Atlas after years of pushing the limits. In order to bid adieu, the innovative firm has compiled a film montage showcasing the most remarkable instances of the mechanoid marvel, encompassing comical dancing routines, impressive acrobatic maneuvers, and a handful of unsuccessful attempts.

Atlas has been a source of inspiration for nearly ten years, igniting our creativity, motivating future generations of roboticists, and surpassing technical obstacles in the area. Boston Dynamics stated in a video aired on April 16 that it is now time for their hydraulic Atlas robot to rest and unwind.

“Please review all the achievements we have made so far with the Atlas platform,” they added.

Boston Dynamics, a robotics company based in Massachusetts, created Atlas for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Pentagon’s advanced technology division. Initially, it was conceived as a component of a prize competition with the aim of accelerating the progress of a humanoid robot capable of aiding in search and rescue missions.

Upon its public introduction in 2013, Atlas required a tether for stability and was limited to walking in a linear path. Almost.

A 1-year-old youngster has limited ability to walk and frequently stumbles. “As you observe these machines and draw comparisons to science fiction, it is important to bear in mind that this represents our current technological capabilities,” stated Gill Pratt, a program manager at DARPA who was involved in the design and funding of Atlas, in an interview with the New York Times in 2013.

Significant transformations have occurred since that time. The engineers at Boston Dynamics have meticulously tweaked the robot’s technology and algorithms throughout its development, enabling it to carry out physical tasks that would be difficult for most people with ease.

The most recent version of Atlas has a height of 150 cm, which is a little less than 5 feet, and a weight of 89 kilograms, equivalent to 196 pounds. With the help of its 28 hydraulic joints, this machine can achieve speeds of up to 2.5 meters (nearly 8 feet) per second. Additionally, it is capable of executing somersaults, athletic jumps, and 360° spins.

Additionally, it is equipped with a multitude of sensors that are utilized to accurately sense the immediate surroundings and respond accordingly in real-time. For example, if an obstacle is placed in the path of the robot, it will identify the issue and navigate around it. If you push it with a pole, it will elegantly adapt its body to stay upright.

Boston Dynamics has not provided an explanation for its decision to discontinue its renowned robot. Certain analysts have proposed that the corporation is preparing for the release of another novel product, but others have questioned whether Atlas has become a financial liability. While the company has successfully marketed its other inventions, such as the dog-like robot Spot, to different companies for diverse purposes, Atlas was never made available for sale.

According to IEEE Spectrum, Boston Dynamics has announced that they are retiring the hydraulic Atlas robot. Does this imply that a hydraulic Atlas robot is not the next item on the schedule? Currently, the outcome is uncertain and cannot be predicted.

It is uncertain what the future holds for the robots developed by Boston Dynamics, but we can only hope that it does not involve a rebellion by these machines.

Atlas is immobile, lying face down on a stack of connected gym mats. The only audio accompaniment is the humming of an electric motor. While it may not be completely silent, the noise level is significantly lower compared to the abrupt movements of its predecessors.

While the camera rotates, the robot’s legs flex at the knees. Initially, it is a spontaneous motion that gradually transitions into an eerie domain, reminiscent of scenes from a Sam Raimi film. The robot has successfully changed its position by cleverly rotating its legs, appearing as if it is lying on its back.

Atlas is positioned with its back facing the camera. Currently, the head rotates in a complete 180-degree motion, and subsequently, the torso mimics this movement. The object pauses briefly, allowing the camera to get a clear picture of its head—a circular screen with a ring-shaped light surrounding it. Once again, the torso rotates in alignment with the head’s 180-degree turn as Atlas moves away from the camera and exits the frame.

Boston Dynamics has recently announced that their humanoid robot, Atlas, has transitioned from a hydraulic system to an electric one, following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan.

The pace is rapid, with the steps still somewhat abrupt, although noticeably smoother than many of the recent commercial humanoids that have been introduced in the past few years. If anything, the gait evokes the bold self-assurance of Spot, a relative of Atlas who diverged from the humanoid lineage a few generations ago.

Brand new Atlas

The latest iteration of the robot is nearly indistinguishable. The top-heavy torso, bowed legs, and plated armor have been eliminated. There are no visible cables present on the sleek and slender new mechanical framework. The company, which has successfully defended against reactionary concerns about robopocalypse for many years, has chosen a more compassionate and considerate design compared to both the original Atlas and more modern robots such as the Figure 01 and Tesla Optimus.

The new robot’s appearance is more similar to that of Agility’s Digit and Apptronik’s Phoenix. The traffic-light-headed robot features a gentler and more whimsical design. According to the video, it is referred to as the “All New Atlas.” Boston Dynamics has deviated from its usual practice by retaining the research name for a product that it intends to market commercially. SpotMini was renamed Spot. The handle was transformed into a stretch. Currently, Atlas remains unchanged and is still referred to as Atlas.

“We may reconsider this when we are fully prepared to construct and distribute on a large scale,” states Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter in an interview with. “However, I believe that at present, it is beneficial to preserve the branding.”

The executive’s statement reveals the project is still in its initial phases. Boston Dynamics intends to start pilot testing of the electric Atlas at Hyundai facilities soon, with full-scale production following in a few years.

“Starting next year, we will be conducting on-site experiments with Hyundai,” states Playter. “We currently possess Hyundai equipment at our location.” We have been engaged in this task for a considerable period of time. In order to achieve success, it is imperative to possess a plethora of attributes beyond merely possessing innovative technology. In order to justify the investment in a robot, it is crucial to fully comprehend the use case and ensure that there is enough productivity to make it worthwhile.

Performing a complete reversal

The most remarkable aspect of the 40-second “All New Atlas” teaser is the robot’s motions. They serve as a reminder that constructing a humanoid robot does not necessitate maximizing its human-like qualities. Despite billions of years of evolution, as one investor pointed out in the past, humans have not yet perfected themselves as machines. If we are going to design machines that resemble us, why not construct ones that possess capabilities beyond our own?

“We have constructed a collection of bespoke actuators that are powerful and adaptable, installed at the majority of joints,” states Playter. “The range of motion is extensive.” The compact design of this robot effectively harnesses the strength and agility of an exceptional athlete, allowing us to utilize its capabilities in various applications.

It is important to remember that Boston Dynamics has built its reputation through a series of popular videos over the course of many years. New additions to the canon are equally likely to feature a robot’s dance moves as they are to offer anything truly practical in an industrial environment. Therefore, it is challenging to separate the features that the company considers genuinely functional from those that are merely intended to impress.

Commencing in the prone position, for example, provides an opportunity to demonstrate the impressive reverse crab leg maneuver while also serving a practical purpose. Boston Dynamics proudly demonstrated in the farewell video of the hydraulic Atlas that falling down is an inherent aspect of its function, as is the ability to recover and stand up again. In reality, the majority of the current generation of industrial robots necessitates human intervention in the event of a failure. Conversely, a robot that can autonomously remove dust from its surface and resume its tasks is highly advantageous for enhancing productivity.

The system’s agility significantly enhances its potential for productivity. It reminds me of Agility’s Digit demonstrations (the company is notably the only one of its kind demonstrating systems at this magnitude), in which a robot walks to a shelf, rotates, walks to the conveyor belt, rotates again, and walks back. When you multiply that task by hundreds, or even thousands, per day, you start to realize the importance of saving valuable seconds.

“It will possess a range of movements that surpass human capabilities,” Playter explains. “There will be highly utilitarian applications for that.”

Minimizing the robot’s turning radius is crucial in confined areas. These machines are intended to be brownfield solutions, meaning they are specifically designed to be seamlessly integrated into pre-existing workflows within existing spaces. Enhanced maneuverability could ultimately determine whether one can effectively operate in a particular environment or if the layout needs to be redone.

Cranium and upper extremities

The hands featured in the video are not newly created, as they have previously been used on the hydraulic model. However, they also signify the company’s choice to not strictly adhere to human design as a guiding principle. The distinction lies in the choice of using three fingers instead of four on the end effectors.

“A hand contains a great deal of intricacy,” states Playter. When using actuators to interact with the world, it is essential to anticipate and ensure both reliability and robustness. Therefore, we intentionally designed these objects with less than five fingers in order to manage and reduce their level of complexity. We are currently investigating various generations of individuals. We desire a grasping mechanism that adheres to regulations and is capable of adjusting to various shapes while possessing advanced sensing capabilities to accurately detect contact.

Internally, the head is likely the most controversial element of the design. The large, circular screen bears resemblance to a vanity mirror.

“It was a design element that we were greatly concerned about,” says Playter. “All the other individuals possessed a humanoid form.” I desired it to be distinct. We desire a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It offers a range of colors for a visual presentation. Undoubtedly, the object contains concealed sensors, but its design primarily aims to convey a sense of amicability. That knowledge will be crucial for effectively engaging with these entities in the future.

A Christmas Atlas

The landscape has undergone significant changes in the past decade since the hydraulic Atlas was first introduced. There are several other companies, such as Figure, Apptronik, Tesla, and 1X, that also have humanoid robots like Electric Atlas.

There has been a significant increase in interest from our end. Three significant events, in my opinion, are what have caused the increase. Hyundai paid almost one billion dollars to acquire Boston Dynamics. That really caught everyone’s attention, making them realize there was a way out. Tesla’s expression of interest in manufacturing has confirmed the validity of our long-standing efforts. Furthermore, the rise of AI as a valuable tool in addressing general challenges is making all of this possible. We have taken our time to make this announcement, as we wanted to conduct thorough research to ensure that we can effectively address manipulation issues and have full confidence in our new generation of machines.

Despite Boston Dynamics’ significant advantage in the field of humanoids, Playter mentions that the company managed to assemble the initial version of the new robot around Christmas 2023. Prior to that, it was addressing numerous intricate issues in simulation.

This week, it appears that the company is prepared to showcase the capabilities of the robot, or at least provide a glimpse into its initial plans for the system.

Intelligence in a broad sense
One thing that can be said about Elon Musk is that he consistently makes ambitious commitments. During the initial stages of Optimus’ public debut, when the Tesla ‘bot seemed to resemble a human in spandex, the executive discussed a comprehensive system capable of performing various tasks. Imagine having an Optimus that can handle your factory work, run errands, and even prepare a delicious dinner for you. That’s the aspiration, isn’t it?

The reality is, of course, one that is built upon taking small steps forward. Robotics companies are currently engaged in discussions about “general-purpose humanoids,” but their systems are currently focused on scaling one task at a time. For many individuals, the primary objective is to transport payloads from one location to another. To fully leverage the form factor, a broader level of intelligence will be necessary.

The app store model seems to offer the most straightforward solution. Developer access has indeed played a significant role in expanding Spot’s range of features. According to Playter, Boston Dynamics has a different approach in mind for Atlas.

“We will focus on developing an application rather than creating a platform,” he states. In our experience, the key to making progress quickly is to prioritize a specific application and actively work towards solving any challenges that arise. We cannot rely on others to solve these problems for us. I believe that AI is a crucial component in this context. To ensure the efficiency of tasks, they will be enhanced with AI techniques.

Developers now have access to Spot’s reinforcement learning algorithm, thanks to the company’s recent decision. This work will be crucial for Atlas’ expanding skillset.

Thinking creatively

In order to achieve success, Playter emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box.

“I believe there are numerous other robots capable of accomplishing that,” he remarks. Humanoids should be capable of handling a wide range of tasks. You have two hands. As a business owner, you need to be able to handle intricate and heavy geometric shapes that a basic box picker wouldn’t be able to manage. And you have to handle a massive volume of these shapes, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. I believe the era of the single-task robot is long gone. Stretch is a unique application where a robot can efficiently navigate and handle boxes.

What other responsibilities will the new Atlas have on the Hyundai show floor, similar to those of a business owner? The company shared a video in February that contains the solution. The video shows the hydraulic version of the robot interacting with the Hyundai parts that Playter previously mentioned.

“With our extensive experience in the field of dynamic mobility, we possess the strength and expertise to handle substantial payloads while ensuring exceptional mobility,” he explains. Being able to handle heavy, complex, and massive objects will set us apart from the competition. The strut in the video likely weighs around 25 pounds. Acquiring wheels: we will be releasing a video later on as part of our comprehensive initiative, showcasing the various manipulation tasks we have been conducting with Atlas using real-world objects. I’m quite certain we have a good grasp on how to handle that aspect, and I haven’t observed anyone else attempting it thus far.