Inquiry
Our commitment to fundamental research drives the innovation behind Human Robots and BoidKit—a journey of exploration at the intersection of mechanical art and practical science.
Foundations of Our Exploration
01Biomimetic Inspiration
We study natural systems not to copy them directly, but to understand the underlying principles that make them efficient and graceful. Our hydraulic artificial muscles draw insight from biological tissue properties while utilizing entirely different mechanisms.
This approach yields solutions that are both novel in engineering terms and resonant with human intuition about how movement should flow and respond.
02Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing
Our research extends beyond performance metrics to consider the full lifecycle of components—from raw material extraction to eventual recycling or replacement. We explore manufacturing approaches that minimize energy consumption and reduce dependence on globally constrained resources.
This foundation ensures that accessibility means not just affordability today, but sustainable production at scale tomorrow.
03Ethical AI Integration
While we focus primarily on hardware foundations, our research anticipates the eventual integration of advanced AI systems. We explore control architectures that build in appropriate constraints, ensure human oversight, and limit potential for harm.
This forward-thinking approach means our hardware will be ready for responsible AI integration as those technologies mature.
04Systems-Level Optimization
True breakthroughs often emerge from considering entire systems rather than optimizing individual components in isolation. Our research examines how different subsystems interact, identifying opportunities for simplification and cross-component efficiencies.
BoidKit's centralized architecture exemplifies this approach, replacing dozens of distributed electromechanical systems with a more elegant hydraulic solution.
Technical Explorations & Publications
Hydraulic Artificial Muscles: Force-Weight Optimization and Manufacturing Considerations
J. Valdez · March 2024
An exploration of the design trade-offs in hydraulic artificial muscle construction, with particular focus on scalable manufacturing techniques and materials selection. Includes experimental data from prototype testing across three design generations.
Read PaperDesign Principles for Low-Cost Fluidic Manifolds
J. Valdez, A. Chen · February 2024
A study of novel valve manifold geometries enabled by additive manufacturing. Explores how 3D printing allows for internal channel geometries that minimize pressure losses while simplifying assembly and reducing part count.
Read PaperComparative Analysis: Actuation Approaches for Affordable Humanoids
J. Valdez · December 2023
A systematic review of current actuation technologies used in humanoid robotics, with quantitative comparison of cost, performance, and scaling characteristics. Presents a novel framework for evaluating the economic feasibility of different approaches.
Read PaperVideo Explorations
Visual documentation of our research process, prototype testing, and experimental results
Current Areas of Investigation
Ongoing research domains pushing the boundaries of affordable actuation
Advanced Control for Compliant Hydraulic Actuation
Exploring control strategies that utilize the natural compliance of HAMs as a feature rather than a challenge, enabling more natural motion and safer human-robot interaction.
Energy Efficiency in Mobile Hydraulics
Investigating novel approaches to energy recovery and storage within the hydraulic circuit, minimizing power consumption for untethered operation.
Low-Cost Sensing for Proprioception
Developing affordable sensing approaches that provide accurate position and force feedback without adding significant cost to the system.
Participate in the Inquiry
We believe in the power of collective intelligence. We invite academic institutions, research labs, and industry partners to explore collaborative opportunities in advancing humanoid robotics and its enabling technologies.