Robots have… legs?!

On the sense and nonsense of building humanoid, bipedal robots.

You might be asking yourself: Why do we even need humanoid, two-legged robots? Aren’t they just toys for science fiction fans or dangerous fantasies of power-hungry militaries? What’s the point of creating machines that look and act like us? Are they an asset to society – or a threat?

In my opinion, humanoid robots are more than curiosities or potential dangers. They could support us in many areas of life, especially where humans reach their limits. For example, they can assist in disaster zones by searching for survivors, clearing debris, or delivering supplies. They could also be used in care work or healthcare, supporting elderly or ill people, keeping them company, or motivating them. They might even play a role in education or culture – teaching us new things, entertaining or inspiring us. They can open up new perspectives, help us develop new skills, or present us with new challenges.

Humanoid robots have the advantage of navigating human environments more effectively than other robot forms. They can climb stairs, open doors, use tools, or manipulate objects designed for humans. They’re also better at interacting with people – using facial expressions, gestures, or language we understand and respond to. They can meet us as partners, colleagues, or friends – not just as servants or slaves. They can show us respect, build trust, or even express empathy – not just obedience or fear.

Of course, there are challenges and risks associated with developing and deploying humanoid robots. We need to ask how we can design and use them in ethically, legally, and socially responsible ways. We also need to recognize that they will never truly replace or surpass humans – they can only complement or extend what we do. We must be clear about what defines us as humans and what we expect and demand from robots. And we need to consider how to protect our identity, values, and rights as we learn to coexist with them.

I believe we have the opportunity to turn humanoid robots into a valuable, sustainable support technology for humanity. But to do that, we need to take responsibility now and actively shape this innovation. We need to stay informed, engage in the conversation, and take part in deciding how we want to live alongside our artificial counterparts. We also need to prepare ourselves to adapt to the changes they will bring. And we must remain open to the possibilities they offer – to better understand and improve ourselves and the world we live in.

Want to dive deeper into the question of whether humanoid robots make sense – or not? Then feel free to check out my article in Schaeffler’s corporate magazine tomorrow:

Quo vadis, Robotics? – tomorrow (schaeffler-tomorrow.de)
[Click the image to read the full article – in German]