Robotic Nation Evidence

Rambling robots show human efficiency

From the article:

The most advanced commercial robots, including Honda's humanoid bot, Asimo, typically require a multitude of motors and sensors in each joint - as well as powerful adaptive software - to remain steady while walking.

But the new bots instead use simple mechanical dynamics and minimal motorisation to stride along. The shape of each robot's frame and joints naturally enable them to walk along without requiring much exertion. A similar fundamental simplicity underlies the way in which humans walk.

One thing that the Robotic nation article points out is that the humanoid bodyform will be the preferred platform for robots. Part of that is human vanity, and part of it is the fact that the humanoid form makes it easier for robots to "fit in" to the human world -- they will be able to climb stairs, ride escalators, get in and out of trucks more easily, etc. Engineers will figure out things like walking, and then the price of the basic "humanoid chassis" will fall to the point where it is extremely inexpensive.

See also - ASIMO