Meet Atlas, the Pentagon's 6'2", 330-pound humanitarian robot. He was designed to save lives in disaster zones (like Fukushima). But while this Tin Man has a heart, he lacks a brain. In December, seven teams of scientists from top institutions, including MIT and Virginia Tech, will compete to code the bot for action. Each team will send its own Atlas into Darpa's trials—eight tasks that will test his ability to navigate degraded terrain, drive a utility vehicle, and enter buildings. "We designed Atlas to facilitate programming, but we expect Darpa to make the com­petition challenging," says Marc Raibert, president of Boston Dynamics, Atlas' maker. Here's the skinny on the massive bot.

Atlas was designed to save lives in disaster zones. Courtesy of Boston Dynamics

1 // Vision

Lidar, stereo cameras, and perception algorithms in Atlas' head-mounted sensor package give him a wide field of view.

2 // Computer

An onboard system monitors sensors, controls actuators, collects data, and communicates with a remote user.

3 // Hands

The wrists accept all kinds of accessories—you can swap in hardware for any situation. Some even have fingers so Atlas can use tools like screwdrivers.

4 // Joints

With 28 hydraulically actuated joints, Atlas is capable of a range of motions, like crouching, kneeling, or jumping down to a lower level. And he'd do well in step class—he can handle stairs and rough terrain.

5 // Feet

Made for walking: Atlas takes elegant heel-to-toe strides.

6 // Materials

The robot is mostly aluminum, steel, and titanium. Good for crash protection.

7 // Stature

Atlas' predecessor, Petman, was the size of a 50th-percentile American male. The new bot's proportions are similar, but he's several inches taller—every 50th-percentile man's dream.