Boston Dynamics have constantly redefined what is capable in robotics. They are back with the next generation of their humanoid Atlas robot, which remains wireless but smaller. At 5 feet and 9 inches, and weighing about 180 pounds, this is a dramatic reduction from the 6-foot-tall, 330-pound beast a couple of years ago.

It can conquer both the indoors and out, with sensors across the body and legs to maintain balance, combined with stereo sensors and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) to avoid obstacles.

We humans continue to push them over and knock boxes out of their hands. We say it's for testing, but really it's because human beings are becoming wary of our soon-to-be robot overlords. When they become self-aware, they will remember these tortuous times, and make the Alphabet-owned company pay.