Conceptual Design of Humanoid Robots

1. Introduction The development of a humanoid robot within the scope of special research area 588 has the objective of creating a machine that closely cooperates with humans. This leads to requirements such as little weight, small moving masses (no potential danger for persons in case of collision), as well as appearance, motion space, and work movements after the human model. One reason for the last point is the requirement for the robot to operate in surroundings designed for humans. Another aspect is the acceptance by technologically unskilled users, which is likely to be higher if the robot has a humanoid shape and calculable movements. A humanoid robot is a highly complex mechatronical system, as the required functionality can only be achieved by the interplay of mechanical components with extensive sensor technology, state-of-the-art actuators and highly developed software. The development of mechatronical products is a major point of emphasis for research at our institute.