What a robot with the most realistic face can do

The population of robots that increasingly resemble humans in appearance continues to grow rapidly on Earth. For example, we are all familiar (albeit distantly) with Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot. And what’s going on with the bipedal bots at the California Institute of Technology would make the T-1000 sit up and take notice. But nothing, as far as we know, seems more realistic than Engineered Arts’ new robot, which has been named Ameca.

About the creators

Engineered Arts is the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of humanoid robots. For science centres, theme parks and businesses looking to attract crowds, its robots create experiences that visitors, delegates and spectators will never forget.

In fact, the company is in the business of creating entertainment robotic systems that are then used to attract attention and visitors to a particular venue in question.

Engineered Arts’ novelty

The British company recently unveiled its new creation called Ameca online. One look at the robot took many people’s breath away. The developer managed to impress public with quite a short presentation video. Even this time limit was enough to make the public fall in love with Ameca.

The humanoid robot, which has few areas covered with skin and equipped with muscles (there is only muscles in the face and arms), is stunningly realistic. Not only are his movements exceptionally smooth, his face also seems perfectly natural. One would love to ride through the ominous valley that so many robots get into. Such thoughts must have crossed the mind of fans of such games, series and films.

Engineering

As for the technology itself, it seems that the combination of mechanical limbs and ligaments, actuators and sensor arrays in a robot is cutting edge. Engineered Arts has been in operation since 2005. So the developers have had more than 15 years to perfect their humanoid robots.

Incidentally, the company’s first robot was a mechanical stage robot called Thespian. However, there is something missing from Amek’s imaginative vision. Engineered Arts makes it clear that Ameca is not using anything resembling ‘pure AI’.

In terms of conversation, Ameca is essentially a chatbot in a damn metal case. Although Engineered Arts says users can easily ‘talk through the robot’ remotely. Basically he’s like an entertainer at conventions and the like. Its realistic appearance and quite human-like manner never cease to amaze people, apparently. And that’s without the artificial intelligence that could have turned him into something truly alive and independent.

Competition

Engineered Arts is not alone today in creating impressive robotic creations. However, so far it is one of the few companies that have presented such a realistic product.

In the near future, Tesla intends to compete with the developers. Its owner Ilon Musk’s predilection for creating incredible novelties is not exhausted. It is possible that his variation of the robot humanoid will surpass all other existing ones.