This paper investigates the feasibility of constructing a humanoid robot using existing technology. Firstly, the adoption of the humanoid form is justified. The structure, strength and power capabilities of a human are analysed in engineering terms, and taken to represent the requirements specification for a humanoid robot. Technological alternatives to the biological components are reviewed and compared to this specification. The feasibility of matching human performance is considered, and it is concluded that the necessary power and energy requirements can be fitted within the mass and volume of the human body.
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=ROB The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Robotica, 14 (4), pp 437-443 1996, © 1996 Cambridge University Press.