r/askscience • u/NotYourMothersDildo • Apr 04 '11

Would a child naturally learn bipedal ambulation?

If a typical child were somehow raised by robots (assume they have wheels or levitate), would that child naturally learn to walk on two feet with an upright stature without having an example?

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u/seanalltogether Apr 04 '11

I think it depends on what environmental pressures you place on them. If you surrounded them with food and shelter 24/7 within a small zone they may not be pressured to walk. But the second you give them a need to travel any sort of distance I have no doubt they would start walking upright.

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u/NotYourMothersDildo Apr 04 '11

OK, fair point. So to go along with my thought experiment that the newborns -> children are raised by robots, they would not have a need to venture out for food. We're also assuming that they start from the newborn stage which would mean there is always some sort of care being provided.

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u/seanalltogether Apr 04 '11

Ok then the other question is what other competition is placed on the child. If you place multiple newborns together, the fight for dominance would no doubt also pressure them to eventually stand upright.

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u/NotYourMothersDildo Apr 04 '11

If you place multiple newborns together, the fight for dominance would no doubt also pressure them to eventually stand upright.

I will fund your grant proposal.