KAIST Humanoid Robot Showcases Advanced Mobility, Moonwalk
- tech360.tv
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new humanoid robot from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has showcased advanced lower-body movements, including high-speed running and Michael Jackson's iconic Moonwalk. Researchers from KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Humanoid Robot Research Center (Hubo Lab) developed the robot.
A video released by the Hubo Lab highlights the robot's stability, adaptability, and ability to navigate complex environments. Notably, it performs these movements without relying on vision-based sensors.
The two-minute demonstration features the robot's legs gliding backwards in a Moonwalk sequence on a conveyor platform. It then transitions to a smooth walk at 3.53 km/h, accelerating to a run at 9.36 km/h, and reaching 11.88 km/h.
These speeds translate to a maximum running capability of approximately 12 km/h. The robot also underwent a push recovery test, showing its lower body, legs, hips, and waist.
During the test, the robot was kicked and shoved off balance yet stabilised itself. It returned to its walking path without falling, demonstrating its equilibrium under external disturbances.
The robot's adaptability was tested in "blind walking" trials, where it navigated obstacles without cameras or vision-based sensors. It relied solely on internal sensing and learned control.
During these trials, the robot successfully traversed randomly placed debris and ascended and descended steps. It also demonstrated a duck walk, bending its knees deeply while moving forward.
The robot performed straight-leg bounds with striking synchronicity, a drill often used by athletes for power and coordination. This highlights its ability to keep its legs stiff and generate forward momentum.
The demonstration concluded with a longer Moonwalk, showcasing the precision of the AI-driven control system.
The humanoid was designed to resemble an adult human, standing 165 centimetres tall and weighing 75 kilograms. It can handle obstacles like curbs, stairs, and height differences of up to 30 centimetres.
The research team emphasised that all core components, including motors, reducers, and motor drivers, were developed in-house. This strategy provides them with technological independence.
An artificial intelligence controller, trained with a reinforcement learning algorithm in a virtual environment, powers the robot's movement. The team overcame the "simulation-to-reality gap" to ensure reliable physical performance.
The work's outcomes will be presented at two major robotics conferences: the Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL 2025) on Sept. 29, and the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots (Humanoids 2025) on Oct. 1.
Researchers aim to expand the robot's capabilities to include tasks requiring simultaneous walking and manipulation. These tasks involve pushing carts or climbing ladders.
Their ultimate goal is to create versatile robots with the physical skills necessary for industrial environments.
KAIST's new humanoid robot performs advanced movements including the Moonwalk, high-speed running, and a duck walk.
The robot demonstrates stability and navigates complex environments without vision-based sensors, relying on internal sensing.
It measures 165 centimetres tall, weighs 75 kilograms, and can handle obstacles up to 30 centimetres high.
Source: INTERESTING ENGINEERING