Why Humanoid Robots Are Finally Walking Like Humans—And What This Means for Industrial Automation
- Dr Jacqueline Evans
- Apr 2
- 6 min read

Humanoid robots have made remarkable progress over the last few decades, evolving from rigid, mechanical models to fluid, lifelike machines capable of interacting with the world in ways that were once the stuff of science fiction. One of the most notable breakthroughs in this development has been the use of reinforcement learning (RL), a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables robots to learn complex tasks through trial and error. In this article, we will explore how RL is being used to improve humanoid locomotion, making robots more adaptable, efficient, and lifelike, and discuss the profound implications of these advancements for industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.
The Evolution of Humanoid Robotics and Its Challenge with Locomotion
The creation of humanoid robots, capable of performing tasks similar to those of humans, has long been an aspiration for engineers and scientists. However, while early humanoid robots were often impressive from a technical perspective, they faced major challenges when it came to natural movement, particularly walking. These robots would typically walk with stiff, jerky motions, which not only made them seem less lifelike but also hindered their functionality in real-world environments.
This issue stems from the fact that walking is an incredibly complex behavior, involving intricate coordination between the brain, muscles, and balance systems. For robots, this means not only needing precise control over their limbs but also the ability to react dynamically to changing conditions, such as uneven terrain or obstacles in their path.
Historically, roboticists tried to pre-program humanoid robots with specific movement sequences, but this approach was far from perfect. It often resulted in stiff, uncoordinated walking, as robots couldn’t adapt to unforeseen conditions in the same way humans can. This is where reinforcement learning (RL) comes into play, offering a revolutionary method of teaching robots to move naturally by learning from feedback and adapting to various challenges.
Reinforcement Learning: A Game-Changer for Humanoid Locomotion
Reinforcement learning is a type of machine learning where an agent (in this case, a humanoid robot) learns to make decisions by performing actions and receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. In the context of humanoid robotics, RL allows the robot to learn how to walk by continuously interacting with a simulated environment, trialing different movements, and receiving feedback on whether those movements were successful.
One of the key advantages of RL is its ability to simulate real-world environments and challenges. For instance, rather than having a humanoid robot merely watch humans walk or follow pre-programmed commands, the robot learns to walk through its own experience—tripping, stumbling, and gradually improving over time. This process is much more akin to how a human learns to walk, offering a more robust, adaptable solution for humanoid locomotion.
Figure 02: A Leap Forward in Humanoid Robotics
One of the most prominent examples of RL applied to humanoid locomotion is the development of the Figure 02 humanoid robot by Figure AI. Using RL, Figure 02 has learned to walk with remarkable fluidity, with smooth, coordinated movements that mimic the natural gait of humans. Unlike traditional methods that relied on predefined algorithms, RL allows the robot to optimize its walking patterns by learning directly from real-world data.
In fact, the application of RL to humanoid robots has enabled them to learn faster and more effectively than through traditional means.
RL-powered humanoid robots like Figure 02 can now perform tasks such as:
Navigating uneven surfaces and obstacles
Adapting to changes in walking speed
Maintaining balance in various positions
Adjusting movements in response to external factors (e.g., uneven flooring, external forces)
The ability of Figure 02 and similar robots to learn from real-world scenarios makes them highly versatile and capable of performing tasks that were previously thought to be beyond the reach of machines.
The Advantages of RL in Humanoid Robotics
The integration of reinforcement learning in humanoid robots offers several significant advantages over traditional robotic methods, especially when it comes to movement. Some of the key benefits include:
Enhanced Adaptability
Humanoid robots trained with RL are capable of adapting to a wide range of environments. Unlike traditional robots, which may struggle with even slight terrain changes, RL-trained robots learn to adapt to new conditions, improving their stability and mobility in dynamic settings.
Improved Learning Efficiency
In traditional robotics, teaching a robot to walk required a significant amount of hand-coded instructions and adjustments. With RL, robots can learn complex behaviors much more quickly. For example, RL enables robots to achieve a natural walking gait in just hours of simulated training. In comparison, it would take years of real-world data collection to achieve similar results manually.
Energy Efficiency and Robustness
RL allows robots to optimize their walking patterns for energy efficiency. By constantly learning from trial and error, robots can fine-tune their movements to minimize energy consumption while maintaining smooth and stable locomotion. This is particularly important for applications where robots need to operate autonomously over long periods.
Real-World Application Readiness
One of the most significant benefits of RL in humanoid robotics is its ability to allow for “zero-shot transfer,” meaning that a robot trained in a simulation can transition seamlessly to the real world without the need for further adjustments. This is crucial for applications in dynamic environments where robots must interact with real-world objects and conditions.

Key Industry Applications of RL in Humanoid Robotics
As humanoid robots with RL-powered locomotion continue to evolve, they are poised to make a significant impact across various industries. Below are some of the key sectors where these robots could play an essential role.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, humanoid robots equipped with RL-based locomotion systems can be deployed for a variety of tasks, such as assembly, material handling, and quality control. These robots can navigate factory floors with ease, adjust to changes in their environment, and work alongside human employees without disruption.
For instance, at a BMW factory, robots like Figure 02 are already being tested for tasks such as delivering parts, assembling components, and performing repetitive tasks that would otherwise take up valuable human labor hours.
Industry Data:
According to a report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global market for industrial robots is expected to reach $16.5 billion by 2025, driven by increased adoption in industries like automotive and electronics.
In 2023, global spending on robotics in manufacturing reached $5.5 billion, with robots performing tasks ranging from welding to material handling.
Healthcare
In healthcare, humanoid robots could assist in a variety of ways, from patient care to delivery of medications and medical supplies. These robots’ ability to walk naturally allows them to navigate hospital environments, assisting patients with mobility, delivering supplies to rooms, or even providing companionship to elderly patients.
Healthcare experts believe that RL-powered robots could play a pivotal role in elderly care, providing not only physical assistance but also social support, particularly in environments where human caregivers are in short supply.
Logistics and Warehousing
In logistics and warehousing, humanoid robots can handle tasks such as inventory management, sorting, and transport of goods. RL enables these robots to adapt to the constantly changing dynamics of a warehouse, where obstacles, changes in stock, and varying locations must be accounted for in real time.
A study by McKinsey & Company found that robotics and automation could improve warehouse productivity by up to 30% while reducing operational costs by 20-25%. RL-based robots are at the forefront of this shift.
Service and Hospitality
Humanoid robots in the service and hospitality industries are already being used to greet guests, provide directions, and assist with check-ins. These robots benefit from RL as it enables them to interact more naturally with guests, respond to queries more fluidly, and navigate busy spaces without disturbing other people.
Military and Defense
In military and defense applications, RL-powered humanoid robots could be used for reconnaissance, logistics, and even combat scenarios. The robots could be trained to navigate through difficult terrain, carry heavy equipment, and assist soldiers in various capacities.
The Future of Humanoid Robotics: What’s Next?
The future of humanoid robots, particularly those powered by reinforcement learning, is incredibly promising. As AI algorithms continue to evolve, robots’ abilities to walk, run, and adapt to their environments will only improve. Key areas of future development include:
Advanced Human-Robot Interaction: Future robots will be able to engage with humans more naturally, understanding emotions, body language, and contextual cues.
Expanded Mobility: Researchers are working on enabling humanoid robots to perform more advanced movements, such as running, jumping, or even performing acrobatic tasks.
Enhanced Autonomy: Future humanoid robots will be more autonomous, able to perform tasks with minimal supervision and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
Conclusion
Reinforcement learning has been a game-changer for humanoid robotics, allowing robots to learn natural walking movements that were once considered out of reach. Through RL, humanoid robots can adapt to real-world conditions, optimize their movements for efficiency, and perform complex tasks with remarkable ease. This technology is opening up exciting new possibilities across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and beyond.
Further Reading / External References
By embracing reinforcement learning, humanoid robots are transforming industries and human-robot interactions. Stay tuned for the latest updates from 1950.ai and their expert team.
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