Humanoid robotics

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**Humanoid robotics** is a type of robotics. A **humanoid robot** is a robot that is shaped like a human body. Humanoid robots have many uses, such as: using human tools and spaces; working with humans, for experiments, such as studying bipedal (two-legged) locomotion or dangerous experiments; and more. Generally, humanoid robots have a torso, a head, two arms, and two legs, though some only have part of the body. Androids are humanoid robots built to look like humans.

## History 
Concepts of humanoid robots come from many different cultures around the world. Some of the earliest accounts of the idea of humanoid robots date to the 4th century BCE in Greek mythology (where they were known as ) and some religious and philosophical texts from China.  Physical prototypes of automaton, machines that operated themselves were later created in various regions, they are considered precursors to modern humanoid robots which emerged around the 1970s. Since then humanoid robots have been developed for many uses. 

## Applications 
Humanoid robots have been developed for many different applications. One area of these applications is scientific research. Researchers often study the human body structure and behavior (biomechanics) to build better humanoid robots. Additionally, attempts to recreate the human body lead to a better understanding of it. Building robots that act like humans also boosts understanding of human cognition (how humans use sensory information and acquire skills). Other applications include: medical usage, entertainment, demonstrations, competitions, and more. Humanoid robots are suitable for a many jobs, such as reception-desk administrators and automotive manufacturing line workers. Basically, since they can use tools and operate equipment and vehicles designed for humans, humanoids could potentially do anything a human being can, even taking on dangerous tasks. However, creating the proper software for this is challenging.  A few groups of applications are detailed below.

### Medical and research 
Humanoid robots used in medicine and biotechnology. They are also used in other fields of research such as biomechanics and cognitive science.  Humanoid robots are being used to develop complex prosthetics for individuals with physical disabilities such as missing limbs. The WABIAN-2 is a new medical humanoid robot created to help patients in the rehabilitation of their lower limbs. Humanoid robots can be used as test subjects for the practice and development of personalized healthcare aids. They can also be robotic nurses for demographics such as the elderly.   

### Entertainment 
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Humanoid robots have been used in entertainment for a long time. These uses range from the ideas in the story of Prometheus to the application of modern animatronics used for theme parks.  Current uses of humanoid robots in theme parks are focused on creating stuntronics. Stuntronics are humanoid robots built for serving as stunt doubles. They are designed to simulate life-like movement.  Several theme park shows utilize animatronic robots that look, move and speak much like human beings. Although these robots look realistic, they have no cognition or physical autonomy. 

### Demonstrative 
Though many real-world applications for humanoid robots are yet to be implemented, robots are being used to demonstrate new technologies. Modern examples of humanoid robots, such as the Honda Asimo, are revealed to the public in order to demonstrate new technological advancements in motor skills. These include walking, climbing, and playing an instrument.  Other humanoid robots have been developed for household purposes, however they only have single purpose skills and are far from autonomous.

### Competition 
Numerous competitions have been created for humanoid robots, enabling both research and entertainment. Examples include:

* World Humanoid Robot Games, and Olympics-style competition where 280 teams from 16 countries competed in events such as: kickboxing, soccer, running, medicine sorting, and cleaning
* Robocup, a competition in which humanoid robots play against each other in soccer. They are also tested on skills like walking, running, and balance. 
* IEEE Humanoids Robotics Competition 
* Humanoid Robot Championship, upcoming contest (September 2026) where robots will compete in events such as: Best Mobility Performance, Best Human-Robot Interaction, and Advanced Task Performance.
* DARPA Robotics Challenge, now complete contest previously organized by the US Department of Defense to promote robots for use in dangerous rescue environments. 
* CMG World Robot Competition – Mecha Fighting Series, world's first humanoid robot boxing competition, organized by the China Media Group.

## In Media 
Early depictions of humanoid robots include *Liezi* and descriptions by Hero of Alexandria, from 250 BCE and 50 CE. They were first described as robots in ''Rossum's Universal Robots* by Karel Čapek. Today, humanoid robots often appear in science fiction related to how they can help humans in society or serve as threats to humanity. This theme essentially questions whether artificial intelligence is a force of good or bad for mankind. Humanoid robots that are depicted as good for society and benefit humans are Commander Data in *Star Trek* and C-3PO in *Star Wars''.

## Criticism 
Humanoid robots, have faced several criticisms related to mimicking and resembling humans:

* Uncanny Valley Effect: As robots become more human-like but not quite perfect, they can evoke feelings of unease or revulsion in humans. 
* Ethical Confusion: Humanoid robots can potentially lead to ethical dilemmas, creating confusion about their rights or treatment. 
* Robot Slurs: a range of terms (e.g. clanker) have been created to negatively refer to robots especially in the context of them replacing humans. 

## References