hubo

Hubo is a family of humanoid robots developed primarily by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and collaborating researchers. The project aims to advance research in bipedal locomotion, balance, and manipulation, enabling robots to operate in human environments. Since its introduction in the mid-2000s, HUBO has undergone several generations and refinements.

Designs across HUBO generations emphasize modularity and real-time control. They typically feature a combination of joint actuators, sensors for feedback, and embedded controllers that support dynamic walking, turning, and basic object-handling tasks. Some early HUBO models used hydraulic actuation, while later versions incorporated electric motors to improve controllability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

Capabilities demonstrated with the HUBO platform include stable walking on varied surfaces, stair climbing, and simple interactions with humans or objects. The systems are used in university laboratories and research projects to study topics such as whole-body control, perception integration, and autonomous or semi-autonomous task execution. HUBO has been shown at academic conferences and public exhibitions to illustrate advances in humanoid robotics.

Impact and legacy of the HUBO program include influencing the development of humanoid robotics in Korea and internationally, contributing to research platforms that support education, experimentation, and industry collaborations. The HUBO line has helped motivate continued interest in versatile, general-purpose humanoid robots and their potential applications.

See also: Humanoid robot, KAIST, RoboCup.