Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 22 hours ago
Humanoid robots have long been the dream of science fiction. However, today’s advances in microelectronics, sensing, and AI leave this previously unachievable advancement seemingly within reach. Is this true, though? In this talk, I’ll overview some of the history of humanoid robots, IHMC’s role and contributions to these advances, as well as discuss the potential likely (and unlikely) applications of these seemingly limitless systems. However, with much excitement and advancement comes the need to understand what these robots may and may not be good at. Just as important is to explore how these capabilities satisfy real needs, both economic and martial, particularly when compared to other amazingly advanced technologies. With this, we hope to answer the question of where are we likely to see and feel these robot’s impacts first?
Robert Griffin is a Senior Research Scientist at IHMC and focuses on improving mobility and autonomy for legged robotics and powered exoskeletons. He is interested in system level approaches for improving the mobility and capability of these robotic platforms, including platform design, motion design and control, autonomy and manipulation, and perception.
This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series.
ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures
Humanoid robots have long been the dream of science fiction. However, today’s advances in microelectronics, sensing, and AI leave this previously unachievable advancement seemingly within reach. Is this true, though? In this talk, I’ll overview some of the history of humanoid robots, IHMC’s role and contributions to these advances, as well as discuss the potential likely (and unlikely) applications of these seemingly limitless systems. However, with much excitement and advancement comes the need to understand what these robots may and may not be good at. Just as important is to explore how these capabilities satisfy real needs, both economic and martial, particularly when compared to other amazingly advanced technologies. With this, we hope to answer the question of where are we likely to see and feel these robot’s impacts first?
Robert Griffin is a Senior Research Scientist at IHMC and focuses on improving mobility and autonomy for legged robotics and powered exoskeletons. He is interested in system level approaches for improving the mobility and capability of these robotic platforms, including platform design, motion design and control, autonomy and manipulation, and perception.
This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series.
ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures
