Part 2/8:
At the core of the fascination with humanoid robots lies their adaptability. Unlike rigid robotic systems, these machines are designed to seamlessly transition between a variety of tasks, functioning within environments created for human beings. The early versions of robots like Atlas showcased exceptional agility and athletic capability, serving primarily as research platforms to explore the limits of whole-body control. However, these models were reliant on hydraulic systems which, while effective, posed challenges—including complexity, cost, and maintenance issues, exacerbated by the messiness of hydraulic fluid.