A series of videos has reignited the debate over the future of humanoid robots.
A video shared by robot builder and researcher Logan Olson in October shows a training exercise that allows a humanoid unit to suddenly get on all fours and crawl with surprising speed and amazing flexibility.
The robot's limbs bend with unsettling precision, blurring the line between artificial movement and animal instinct. The clip went viral online, causing equal parts awe, amusement, and anxiety.
The final video, shared by X in November, shows its limbs twisting and folding in a way that resembles a creature rather than a machine, causing both fascination and discomfort. This clip highlights that today's humanoids have evolved far beyond simply walking and waving.
creepy robot crawling
Olson is pushing the boundaries of humanoid robots, and his latest experiments have garnered widespread attention online. Olson picked up a Unitree G1 unit this spring and has since shared numerous videos showcasing his modifications. But his latest footage takes robots to a whole new level, and one that's creepily unsettling.
In the series of videos released, the G1 can be seen seamlessly transitioning from a standing position to crawling on all fours in just a few seconds. Its limbs bend and twist with incredible precision, giving it the appearance of a human-robot-spider hybrid. Another clip shows a robot scuttling across the floor, as impressive as it is bewildering, provoking reactions ranging from awe to genuine anxiety.
Olson accomplished this feat using an AI-based “crawl policy,” a control system he developed to help G1 smoothly transition between standing, walking, and crawling. After adding a Halloween-themed disguise, the robot's lifelike movements became even more noticeable, surprising the neighbors.
Viral clip highlights how rapidly AI and robotics are advancing. Smooth, coordinated humanoid movements that go beyond walking and running are now possible for tasks once thought impossible, hinting at a future where humanoid robots operate with unprecedented dexterity and realism.
evolved humanoid movements
Agility Robotics AI research scientist Chris Paxton recently highlighted Logan Olson's viral video of a crawling humanoid robot and explained key points about robot behavior.
In a post resharing the footage, Paxton emphasized that many humanoid robots essentially “disguise” human-like movements. “It is a property of the training method, not an inherent property of the hardware,” he wrote, noting that robots are capable of much more bizarre and rapid movements than the graceful walking and running that humans expect. He further added, “Human movements are the most efficient for humans, and robots are not humans.”
According to Futurism, this discussion is especially timely as companies such as Tesla, Figure, and China's Unitree race to bring humanoid robots to the mass market. While great progress has been made and Paxton even suggests that running is now almost commercialized, experts question whether the human form is the best choice for any task.
Chris Walty, former leader of Tesla's Optimus project, told Business Insider earlier this year that humanoid robots are not ideal for factory work that prioritizes speed and repetitive motions. “Humans are not designed to do repetitive tasks over and over again,” he reportedly said. futurism.
Olson's disturbing video highlights the versatility of humanoid robots. Crawling robots may not be the most practical or glamorous, but they show how much more these machines can do than imitate humans.
