this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2025
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Humans keep building robots that are shaped like us – what’s the point? (theconversation.com)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by Pro@programming.dev to c/Technology@programming.dev
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Robots come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. By definition, they’re machines that perform automatic tasks and can be operated by humans, but sometimes work autonomously – without human help.

Most of these machines are built for a specific purpose: think of the puck-shaped robot vacuum or a robotic assembly arm in a factory. But recently, human-shaped or humanoid robots have increasingly entered the spotlight.

Humanoid robots are exactly what they sound like – machines with arms, legs, a torso and a head, typically walking upright on two legs. Investment in humanoid robot development has been skyrocketing recently. If you have several thousand dollars, some are already available for purchase.

But why is there so much interest in human-shaped robots? What are they good for, apart from showcases such as Beijing’s World Humanoid Robot Games or funky dance routine videos?

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[–] BartyDeCanter 18 points 9 months ago (1 children)

For a general purpose robot meant to operate in human designed spaces, a dog sized centaur has a few big advantages over bipedalism. Four legs means more stability and much less to no energy use while standing still. It could still climb stairs and deal with complex terrain that would stymie a wheeled vehicle, but still have a small enough footprint to navigate human sized spaces.

[–] mindbleach@sh.itjust.works 1 points 9 months ago

Plus it sounds adorable. Much better than that Boston Dynamics all-servo demo where it gets up backwards like a horror movie.