Humanoid robots are often marketed as the next leap in automation—machines that can walk, talk, grasp objects, and think independently. Product videos show robots folding laundry, stocking shelves, or assisting in hospitals with near-human capability.

Robots are becoming smarter and more common, but their ability to handle objects with human-like precision remains limited. At Kennesaw State University, new research is enabling robots to better understand movement, touch, and real-world interactions.