The Quest for Walking Robots: A Step Toward Humanlike Movement!

In robotics, a common question arises: does a lifelike robot need to walk like a human? According to our Co-Founder, Tanay Yadav, “We always strive for more—more innovation, efficiency, adaptability, and humanity.”

Building a walking robot, however, is far from simple. The challenges of creating dynamic balance, efficient actuation, and natural locomotion make it one of the most complex areas of robotics.

These difficulties also make the process extremely expensive, often lacking a viable business case. Even Boston Dynamics, with its groundbreaking walking robots, hasn't turned them into mass-market products.

Still, the fascination persists. People often ask if ZENO, Zinikus' Lobby Robot, can walk. Tanay says, “It's something people love to see, and they can—at events or demonstrations. But walking alone isn't enough. To truly amaze, the robot must run, jump, and move in ways that feel extraordinary. If it can capture just 15% of Francisco Lachowski's stride, Michael Jackson's dance, and Tyler Durden's charisma, we'll have something remarkable.”

To achieve this vision, Zinikus began working on a new humanoid prototype, Zenon, backed by research funding and government grants.

Challenges in Walking Robot Design

At a toy store, you'll find small walking robots that seem impressive. However, scaling this concept to human size introduces new challenges. Smaller robots are easier to move, while larger ones need to balance weight and power efficiency. Most toy robots don't walk like humans—they waddle like penguins.

Human walking is incredibly complex. Each step is essentially controlled falling, requiring constant adjustments for balance. A robot must replicate these instinctive reactions—handling uneven surfaces, inclines, or stumbles—all of which must be precisely programmed.

Another critical factor is safety. A falling robot, weighing upwards of 50 kilograms, could cause serious harm. Since robots rely on onboard batteries for autonomy, their designs are top-heavy. The taller the robot, the more challenging it becomes to maintain stability.

Tanay humorously notes, “Of course, there are use cases where safety isn't a concern—we could create a 'Terminator' biped. But I believe robotics should protect people, not endanger them.”

Innovating Toward Solutions

Overcoming these challenges requires cutting-edge research and innovative mechanics. For Zenon, Zinikus is developing a biarticular hip-knee linkage and advanced force sensors to keep its center of mass stable.

The upper body's impact on balance is another consideration. By integrating Series Elastic Actuators (SEAs) with pneumatic or electric muscles, Zenon's joints will be fast, strong, and precise.

Though we may be years away from robots strolling down city streets, the progress made in research will shape future advancements. Zenon is a bold step forward, demonstrating how innovative mechanics can bring us closer to lifelike robotic movement.

Join the Journey

Want to be part of the innovation? Let's connect and explore how our humanoid robot Zenon can bring your vision to life!