Here is a link to an article showing several robots from last week’s robotics conference in Chicago.

wsj.com - The quest to make humanoid robots safe enough for humans

The robots range from gracile dancing humanoids to robots with legs that resemble an animal’s legs (short thigh, knee that bends “backwards”) to robots with humanoid upper bodies (head, torso, arms) but wheeled base to robots that couldn’t be described as even vaguely humanoid. One manufacturer produces a wheeled base with the heavy battery in the base, so the center of gravity is low and the robot is very stable. Another points out the versatility of its fully humanoid robot which can hike on trails or into irregular, dangerous disaster sites. Chip designer Nvidia announced a new safety system for humanoids underpinned by its cutting-edge Blackwell chips since some humanoid robots are close to 200 pounds so a mistake could endanger a nearby human.

METARs expressed many strong opinions in a very long thread a few months ago on TMF.

My practical takeaway is…everyone is right. The robot’s form should follow its function. If part of its function is the emotional response of humans it’s working around then humanoid form might be important. Otherwise, the optimal design might or might not be humanoid - depending on its function.

Robots are currently best targeted toward repetitive tasks that require strength. They are a long way from the fine motor skills and constantly-shifting tasks needed for taking care of the elderly and disabled.

Wendy