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Humanoid robots show rapid advances as they race past humans in Beijing half-marathon
(www.theguardian.com)
this post was submitted on 19 Apr 2026
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Technology
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Bipedal robots make sense only because the infrastructure around was made for humans. Wheeled and tracked robots can have trouble though spaces designed for humans. Designing with wheelchair access is mind had to happen on purpose. A small set of stairs or uneven terrain can create a big challenge.
Even for that, 4 legs like the robot dogs is easier/more stable. Plus purpose built robots that don't need to move are generally cheaper and make more sense, like a dishwasher.
and ten 500 bucks purpose built robots are cheaper than one 20-50k humanoid robot that does tasks slowly and needs a human remote operator for most of them
Have you seen bipedal robots en countering terrain they haven’t been carefully calibrated and programmed for?
One of the “runners” tripped on a power line and basically exploded while flailing on the ground.
Dean Kamen solved wheelchairs going up stairways decades ago.
I’m not saying it’s impossible, but automation of tasks like cleaning and bed making or driving are better suited to specialized designs like roombas and the sensor suites on cars.