The Boston Dynamics Atlas Gen 4 and SpaceX Starship Mk. IV represent cutting-edge advancements in robotics and space technology, respectively. Atlas is designed for agile terrestrial applications, while Starship aims to revolutionize space travel with its high payload capacity and reusability. Both platforms are still under development but show great promise for their respective fields.
| Attribute | Boston Dynamics Atlas Gen 4 | SpaceX Starship Mk. IV |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Boston Dynamics Atlas Gen 4 | SpaceX Starship Mk. IV |
| Mobility and Agility | Designed for real-world applications requiring agility and mobility. Performs complex movements, maintains balance, and navigates complex environments. Demonstrates advanced mobility, strength, and dexterity. Can walk, run, and perform gymnastic maneuvers like cartwheels. Moves and bends its body in ways that exceed human capabilities. Recovers from disturbances during high-speed actions. | Vertical landing and takeoff, control surfaces for atmospheric maneuvering, controlled splashdowns into the ocean. |
| Payload Capacity | Not available, but designed to lift and transport heavy, irregular objects. The electric version is stronger than its hydraulic predecessor. | Reusable: 100-150 metric tons to LEO. Expendable: Up to 250 metric tons. Future versions may reach 200-400 tons. Volume: 1,000 m3. |
| Power Source and Endurance | Fully electric, using a custom battery and advanced actuators. Uses high-capacity lithium-ion batteries for extended operation without frequent recharging. The electric powertrain ensures consistent energy delivery. | Raptor engines using liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX). Equipped with both sea-level and vacuum-optimized Raptor engines (RVac). Electrical power supplied by batteries, potentially Tesla batteries. Solar arrays planned for longer missions. |
| Software and Control Systems | Advanced control systems and state-of-the-art hardware. Uses control algorithms for whole-body movement planning, adjusting posture and motion based on environmental conditions. Integrates real-time perception with advanced control systems, using sensors to evaluate terrain and adjust movements. Uses reinforcement learning and computer vision. Boston Dynamics' Orbit software can be integrated for fleet management. | Flight software uses a control cycle concept, processing sensor inputs, network data, and commands. Software is written in C++. Features defensive design with error code checking and operator override capabilities. Autonomous rendezvous, docking, and precision landing capabilities. |
| Environmental Adaptability | Designed to operate both outdoors and inside buildings. Can navigate diverse terrains. Uses depth sensors and point cloud mapping to create real-time 3D maps for navigation in complex environments. Can handle dynamic and chaotic environments. | Stainless steel construction for strength and durability in extreme conditions. Heat shield composed of hexagonal tiles to withstand reentry temperatures up to 1,400 }, |
| Operational Autonomy | Can operate independently, making decisions on the fly. Can analyze its environment and move objects with precision without human intervention. Can identify and avoid obstacles, plan efficient routes, and execute tasks with precision. | Designed to be fully autonomous, with uncrewed versions preceding crewed flights. Crew cabin may feature touchscreens for information display, with potential manual override for certain functions. |
| Development Stage | In the early stages of development. Commercial trials with Hyundai Motor and select partners are expected in 2025. | In development, with iterative testing and prototype vehicles. As of May 2025, Starship has launched 9 times, with 4 successful flights and 5 failures. Semi-operational missions deploying Starlink satellites are planned for late 2025. |
| Manufacturing Cost | Details regarding pricing for commercial clients remain unspecified. | Estimates vary widely, ranging from $20 million to $500 million per vehicle. SpaceX aims for a nominal build cost of $100 million once production scales up. The overall Starship program is estimated to cost between $5 billion and $10 billion. |
| Scalability and Production Volume | Boston Dynamics aims to market Atlas on a large scale. Scaled autonomous mobile robot deployments require IT infrastructure, employee buy-in, connectivity, safety standards and operational processes. | SpaceX is developing a "Starfactory" with the goal of building up to 1,000 Starships per year. Expansion of production and launch operations in Florida to increase build and flight rates. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Not available | Raptor engines are designed for reuse with minimal maintenance. Heat shield tiles require inspection and potential replacement. |
| Safety Features and Protocols | Equipped with sensors (vision, force, proprioception) to detect and respond to environmental changes. Safety standards are implemented to ensure the robot can operate safely around humans. | Stainless steel construction for structural integrity. Heat shield for safe reentry. Redundancy in critical systems. Protocols address risks like overpressure, pipe freezing, and propellant leakage. |
| Target Applications | Designed for real-world applications. Target applications include industrial tasks, logistics, and manufacturing environments. Being tested in automotive production facilities. Other potential applications include disaster response, healthcare, and space exploration. | Cargo and crew transport to Earth orbit, Moon, Mars, and beyond. Deployment of large satellites, space station modules, and space telescopes. Lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program. Potential for point-to-point transport on Earth. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |