Comment by sho_hn

This rings super plausible to me. I dabbled a bit in hobby electronics making DIY walkers, and the more time you spend on junior stuff like that (trying to model a good response to servo load feedback that works in every situation, etc.) the more it dawns on you that what humans and other animals do with the sensor feedback they get from their limbs is so rich in "magic" and intelligence.

Figuring out physical interaction with the environment and traversal is truly one of the most stunning early achievements of life.