This NASA project rubbed me the wrong way:
< http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/military-robots/nasa-jsc-unveils-valkyrie-drc-robot >
Why on earth, figuratively, would anyone build a humanoid robot for extraterrestrial activities?
We make robots humanoid to appease humans or make the robot more capable of navigating human-centric environments. I think we can all agree that space, or other planets, are not human-centric. If you are going to argue with me on this one, then just stop reading right now and go back to fantasizing about sending your own meat bag to mars.
The other reason would to make people identify more with the robots so that they are willing to throw billions of tax dollars at space exploration. These people do not understand that the same functions and features would be available in a robot for 1/100 the price and probability for failure than these humanoid robots.
Don’t get me wrong. I want my household robotic maid to look like Megan Fox, but when I am funding a robotic space exploration robot, I want it to be the most efficient engineering marvel for navigating the target environment. I could not give two shits if it looks humanoid.
Let’s see some research focused in the right areas, and not blatantly following their own agendas for “cool projects” on the back of specialized funding