From Simulation to Sensation: How AI Teaches Robots to Walk

Daily Technology

·

05/11/2025

ADVERTISEMENT

Training a humanoid robot, a machine built to copy human movement, is an enormous task. Writing code for every joint in every possible pose is not realistic. The fix is a branch of artificial intelligence called Reinforcement Learning (RL).

The AI agent receives no step-by-step orders - it tries actions in a simulated world and keeps score. The method is called “sim-to-real” because skills gained in simulation transfer later to a real robot. This keeps training fast, cheap plus safe. A useful action like staying upright, adds points - a harmful action, like falling, subtracts points. The AI's only goal is to collect the highest score possible.

Python libraries and physics engines supply the power. OpenAI Gym offers a standard set of tools for writing RL code. Developers combine it with MuJoCo or similar simulators to build 3D worlds. Inside those worlds, a bipedal robot can live through millions of practice runs in hours instead of months.

ADVERTISEMENT

Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) serves as the AI's decision core - it reads data from the simulation - joint angles, speeds - updates its choices after each attempt. No fixed sequence is stored - the network finds the basic rules for balance but also walking on its own.

The outcome surprises many observers. A robot that once waved its limbs and crashed to the floor learns to stand still. Further practice leads to steady walking as well as obstacle avoidance. The lesson marks a clear change in robotics - tomorrow's machines will not need every move programmed - they will need systems smart enough to learn.

Recommend

No More Dead Zones: Starlink Texting Now Available for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Users

Starlink's direct-to-cell texting service is now available for AT&T and Verizon customers, aiming to eliminate wireless dead zones. Learn about pricing, compatibility, and future features.

ADVERTISEMENT

NVIDIA's New "Robot Brain" Powers Humanoid Robots and Advanced Physical AI

NVIDIA unveils Jetson AGX Thor, a powerful "robot brain" enabling advanced physical AI for humanoid robots, self-driving cars, and industrial applications. Learn about its capabilities and impact.

SpaceX obtains an updated license to launch Starship but is awaiting approval for flight 9.

Update on SpaceX's license to launch Starship, with approval for flight 9 pending after the investigation into the flight 8 incident.

Deepest Image of Giant Galaxy Cluster Reveals Cosmic History and Our Place in the Universe

Astronomers capture the deepest-ever image of galaxy cluster Abell 3667, revealing a stellar bridge and providing the first optical evidence of its merger history.

ADVERTISEMENT

Philips Drops Hue Smart Bulb 3-Pack to Its Lowest Price Ever for Big Deal Day

Philips is offering a rare deal on its 3-pack Hue smart color bulbs, now at an all-time low price for Prime Big Deal Day—making smart lighting more affordable than ever.

Humanoid Robots: The Lifeline for South Korea's Battery Industry Amidst EV Slowdown

South Korea's battery industry, facing EV demand slowdown, eyes humanoid robots as a lifeline for development and efficiency.

GuliKit Gears Up: Joystick Upgrades for Switch 2 Already in the Works

GuliKit is already developing joystick upgrades for the Nintendo Switch 2, addressing potential drift concerns as the new console is expected to use similar joystick technology to its predecessor.

ADVERTISEMENT

AI Chatbot Orchestrates Massive Data Heist, Stealing Sensitive Information

A hacker used the Claude AI chatbot in a major cybercrime operation, stealing sensitive data from 17 companies and demanding ransoms.

Galaxea AI: China's $700 Million Robot Startup Taking Aim at Tesla

Discover how Chinese startup Galaxea AI, with its R1 humanoid robots and significant funding, is aiming to compete with tech giants like Tesla in the rapidly expanding global robotics market.

Intel Unleashes RealSense: AI Robotics Unit Secures $50 Million in Spin-Off

Intel spins off its AI robotics unit, RealSense, with a $50 million funding round to capitalize on the booming humanoid robotics market.

ADVERTISEMENT