7 'secrets' that make humanoid robots think, walk and work like humans

The article explores seven key engineering advancements that enable humanoid robots to mimic human-like thinking, walking, and working capabilities. Central to these developments is advanced actuator technology, where newer musculoskeletal systems use tendons and cables to replicate the springy, flexible movement of human muscles, moving beyond traditional electric or hydraulic motors. Balance control is another critical area, with robots employing methods like Zero Moment Point (ZMP), Center-of-Mass control, and multi-contact balance strategies that allow them to dynamically adjust their posture and use their entire body to maintain stability, much like humans do. Sophisticated sensor integration plays a vital role in humanoid perception, combining multiple cameras, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and joint encoders to provide comprehensive environmental awareness and balance. Innovations in gripper dexterity focus on replicating the complexity of human hands, with designs featuring numerous degrees of freedom and biologically inspired sensing methods such as tendon length-based self-estimation. Lastly, real-time motion planning is essential for safe