Watch Google's humanoid robot nail the 'crane' pose from The Karate Kid

Watch Google&#039;s humanoid robot nail the &#039;crane&#039; pose from The Karate Kid

(Image credit: Boston Dynamics/YouTube)

last updated 8 January 2015

This Atlas robot developed by Google subsidiary Boston Dynamics has already shown it can do impressive things like carry a fire hose, walk over rough terrain, and drive a car. But this might be the most impressive feat yet by the humanoid robot, nicknamed Ian. Warning — turn down the volume before watching:

YouTube

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Ian, of course, is re-enacting a scene from The Karate Kid (1984), where Ralph Macchio's character Daniel is practicing the crane kick on the beach.

YouTube

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This clip is a set-up for the final fight scene — and we can look forward to the day when Ian can complete the crane kick. Or maybe a hulking 330-pound, 6-foot-2 metal humanoid that can deliver a decisive karate kick isn't in humanity's best interest. Mashable's Lance Ulanoff explains why Ian's balancing act is so impressive, and Mike Beasley at 9to5Google has more information about the Atlas robot. You can see some of Ian's robotic cousins here, where Chris Gayomali sagely notes, "Google's 'don't be evil' mantra never carried so much weight."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.