Humanoid robot technologies

There are two main classes of applications for humanoid robots. The first is to build versatile, high-performance systems capable of operating in human environments. Eventually, these robots will act as robotic collaborators, also known as "cobots". The second class aims to validate research concepts on biological and/or cognitive models. The division between these two classes is not always easy, as one usually benefits from the scientific or technical advances made in the other. However, the difference is obvious when we compare a robot like Schaft, designed to intervene in disaster environments, and the iCub robot, designed to validate models of the evolution of cognition in children. In this article, principles specific to humanoid robots are presented for the design of the mechanical structure according to the application context. The second part introduces considerations linked to the choice of the IT structure enabling robot control and the implementation of complex distributed applications aiming at the realization of evolved behaviors. The third part explores the actuators used classically and those which have recently emerged in humanoid robotics following various technical advances. Finally, a summary table summarizes the characteristics of the main humanoid robots.