PurposeAn optimal solution method based on 2-norm is proposed in this study to solve the inverse kinematics multiple-solution problem caused by a high redundancy. The current research also presents a motion optimization based on the 2-Norm of high-redundant mobile humanoid robots, in which a kinematic model is designed through the entire modeling.Design/methodology/approachThe current study designs a highly redundant humanoid mobile robot with a differential mobile platform. The high-redundancy mobile humanoid robot consists of three modular parts (differential driving platform with two degrees of freedom (DOF), namely, left and right arms with seven DOF, respectively) and has total of 14 DOFs. Given the high redundancy of humanoid mobile robot, a kinematic model is designed through the entire modeling and an optimal solution extraction method based on 2-norm is proposed to solve the inverse kinematics multiple solutions problem. That is, the 2-norm of the angle difference before and after rotation is used as the shortest stroke index to select the optimal solution. The optimal solution of the inverse kinematics equation in the step is obtained by solving the minimum value of the objective function of a step. Through the step-by-step cycle in the entire tracking process, the kinematic optimization of the highly redundant humanoid robot in the entire tracking process is realized.FindingsCompared with the before and after motion optimizations based on the 2-norm algorithm of the robot, its motion after optimization shows minimal fluctuation, improved smoothness, limited energy consumption and short path during the entire mobile tracking and operating process.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper, the whole kinematics model of the highly redundant humanoid mobile robot is established and its motion is optimized based on 2-norm, which provides a theoretical basis for the follow-up research of the service robot.Practical implicationsIn this paper, the whole kinematics model of the highly redundant humanoid mobile robot is established and its motion is optimized based on 2-norm, which provides a theoretical basis for the follow-up research of the service robot.Social implicationsIn this paper, the whole kinematics model of the highly redundant humanoid mobile robot is established and its motion is optimized based on 2-norm, which provides a theoretical basis for the follow-up research of the service robot.Originality/valueMotion optimization based on the 2-norm of a highly redundant humanoid mobile robot with the entire modeling is performed on the basis of the entire modeling. This motion optimization can make the highly redundant humanoid mobile robot’s motion path considerably short, minimize energy loss and shorten time. These researches provide a theoretical basis for the follow-up research of the service robot, including tracking and operating target, etc. Finally, the motion optimization algorithm is verified by the tracking and operating behaviors of the robot and an example.