Introduction

Abstract

In this text we look to the past to two distinct strands of research into autonomous robots, evolutionary robotics and humanoid robot research, and how these strands are now beginning to converge in the novel field of evolutionary humanoid robotics. We investigate some of the current and emerging work in this new and exciting field. We address briefly some of the motivations. Why evolve robot bodies or brains, rather than go through a rigorous design process? And why should we have a particular interest in the creation of specifically humanoid robots, rather than, say, wheeled robots, or four-legged (quadrupedal) designs?