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A robot is currently under development that brings back memories for those who experienced duckwalk punishments in schools during the late 1980s and copied Michael Jackson’s ‘Moonwalk’ dance. On the 19th, Professor Park Hae-won’s research group at the Humanoid Robot Research Center (Hubo Lab) within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST revealed they are creating a robot capable of complex movements like the Moonwalk and duckwalk.

This time, the robot introduced is a human-like lower body, designed for someone who is 165 cm tall and weighs 75 kg. It can handle height variations of up to 30 cm, like high thresholds, stairs, and other obstacles, without any issues, and it can run at a speed of 12 km/h. It is sturdy enough not to fall even when the research team kicks its hips with their feet.

What captures interest is its capability to execute complex movements such as the duckwalk, Moonwalk, and sidestepping. It brings back memories of students from 40 years ago who, following duckwalk punishments, would imitate Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk during breaks, moving backwards.

The research group said, “We bridged the gap between simulation and reality using a self-created reinforcement learning algorithm,” and “We attained technological self-reliance by designing and producing all key components, such as motors and gearboxes, internally.” They also noted that they are striving to develop a full humanoid robot with an upper body and artificial intelligence.

In reply, certain critics highlight that domestic humanoids still have significant progress to make in comparison to Chinese humanoids, which already demonstrate highly sophisticated technology.

The findings of the research group will be showcased at the robot intelligence conference ‘CoRL 2025’ on the 29th and the international event ‘Humanoids 2025’ on the 1st of the following month.