Robot locomotion is the study of how to design robot appendages and control mechanisms to allow robots to move fluidly and efficiently. What might seem a simple matter like negotiating stairs in practice has proved terrifically difficult. In recent years, researchers have increasingly relied on motion capture studies of insects and other organisms to hone their designs. Some military researchers have chosen to skirt the problem entirely by using pre-existing Segway bodies.

Robots can be developed to be biped, despite the difficulties. See Honda's ASIMO.

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