Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have demonstrated an updated version of their humanoid robot, showing its ability to handle heavy objects using visual feedback.

The Humanoid v0.9 robot can push objects weighing up to 77.2 pounds (35 kg) and lift loads of up to 44.1 pounds (20 kg), according to a demonstration released on October 19. 

The demonstration highlights the team’s efforts to improve humanoid manipulation through learning-based control methods and visual feedback during physical interactions with objects.

Recently, KAIST researchers showcased a humanoid robot capable of advanced lower-body movements, including high-speed running and Michael Jackson’s iconic Moonwalk.

KAIST’s Humanoid v0.9 combines whole-body movement with object manipulation, demonstrating the ability to push objects weighing up to 77.2 pounds (35 kg) and lift loads of up to 44.1 pounds (20 kg). The demonstration shows the robot using onboard visual feedback to arrange objects into the letters “KAIST.”

Developed by KAIST’s Dynamic Robot Control & Design Laboratory (DRCD Lab) in collaboration with RAILAB, which developed its arms, the platform integrates locomotion, manipulation, and learning-based control.

The new video, titled Whole-Body Locomanipulation with KAIST Humanoid v0.9, focuses on how the robot coordinates its body and arms while interacting with objects. Rather than treating walking and manipulation as separate tasks, the approach brings them together so the robot can move its body while applying force through its arms.

According to the team, the coordination is important because pushing or lifting an object changes the forces acting on a humanoid’s body.

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