Meet Alex: The Legless Robot Ready to Transform Workplaces

Does the future of robotics really need legs, or are we just stuck in old sci-fi fantasies?

Boardwalk Robotics has introduced Alex, a new humanoid robot designed specifically for tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance. Unlike traditional humanoids, Alex is legless — a deliberate choice by Boardwalk to focus on manipulation capabilities rather than mobility.

The idea is simple: many industrial tasks don’t require a robot to walk, but they do need precise handling. Alex, developed with expertise from IHMC, is equipped with advanced manipulation technology and is already being tested in sectors like aviation and food processing.

Boardwalk emphasizes safety, noting that keeping Alex on a stable base reduces the risk of accidents, making it more practical for close human interaction. As robotics continues to evolve, the question remains: Are we ready to embrace a future where robots don’t need to walk to revolutionize industries?

Read the full article on IEEE Spectrum.

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