Soft Robotics Podcast Scott Walter "Humanoid Robotics in 2024: What's Next?"
Mar 14, 2024
Scott Walter, an expert in humanoid robotics, discusses the evolution and advancements in humanoid robotics, exploration of joint types and actuators, embracing humanoid robotics in human environments, global advancements in humanoid robotics, designing robots with power requirements and actuator considerations, advancements in humanoid robotics and AI integration, and the impacts of humanoid robotics on the labor market and future prospects.
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Big Bets Validate Humanoid Robotics
- Major investors backing Figure signal broad validation for humanoid robotics as a serious field.
- The sector moves quickly once stigma fades and funding pours in, accelerating R&D and adoption.
From Aerospace To Robotics
- Scott describes his path from aerospace into robotics and computer graphics during the 1980s.
- He recounts simulating the Canadarm and Hubble missions while shifting focus toward industrial robot planning.
Why Humanoids Are Suddenly Possible
- Humanoid progress stalled historically because brains (AI) and compact actuators weren't ready.
- Now off‑the‑shelf compute, improved AI, and available components let teams assemble humanoids faster.