Humanoid Robots Keep Slipping Into the Future, Much Like Fusion - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica discusses the recurring pattern of optimism and delay surrounding humanoid robots, comparing their elusive arrival to that of fusion energy. While each wave of robotic development brings improvements in motion, balance, and control, the promise of general-purpose humanoid robots capable of safely performing diverse everyday tasks continues to be postponed. Despite genuine scientific progress and breakthroughs, the remaining technical challenges are more profound than initially anticipated, pushing realistic deployment timelines further into the future. Significant advances have been made in robotic locomotion, with bipedal and quadrupedal robots now able to walk, run, jump, and navigate complex terrain with impressive balance and dynamic control. However, the article emphasizes that locomotion, while necessary, is not sufficient for practical usefulness. The primary challenge lies in dexterous manipulation—robots’ ability to interact safely and reliably with objects such as doors, tools, and fragile items in unstructured environments. This problem is compounded by the complexity of tactile sensing, which is local,