IHMC Alex robot swaps hydraulics for all-electric agility

The transition from the research-focused Nadia platform to the field-optimized Alex marks a critical shift in humanoid engineering toward practical, untethered reliability.

• –Custom cycloidal transmissions achieve 96% efficiency, significantly extending battery life for long-duration search and rescue missions
• –Removing hydraulics eliminates the heavy high-pressure hoses and sensitive valve systems that previously restricted outdoor durability
• –Open-loop torque control via backdrivable actuators allows for natural, animal-like physical interactions without fragile dedicated sensors
• –A 15kg weight reduction over its predecessor directly translates to improved agility and safer human-robot collaboration in tight spaces
• –The "faceless" design serves a dual purpose: simplifying ruggedization while engaging the public in 3D-printing the robot's future aesthetic