Robotics company Realbotix has shown off their new top of the line humanoid models that are here to provide customers with dystopian humanoid 'robot girlfriends', giving a somewhat eerie look into the future.
Robots are certainly no new revelation as they've been depicted for years in films and even made their way into our lives in various forms, but the arguably dystopian dreams of some are beginning to become reality with the rise of complex artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
We've had AI-powered robots sell artwork for over $1,000,000, and marvelous videos of Tesla tech stumbling into a human-like manner, but the next steps are closer than we might think.
Futuristic media has always dipped its toes into the notion of robotic romance, but tech company Realbotix might just have made the first steps into bringing this mechanical intimacy into the real world.
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Their top of the line model - named Aria - will set you back around $175,000, and features a somewhat 'realistic' humanoid that's certainly feature-packed.
From a mechanical perspective the robot has what Realbotix call 'Advanced Body Mobility' which affords a wide range of motion and 'more humanlike' physical gestures which all help break down the barriers between Aria and its user.
On top of this, Aria boasts complex eye tracking and object recognition, allowing the robot to recognize and remember its user alongside maintaining eye contact for more intimate conversations. It also has open-source operability with third-party AI applications, allowing you to integrate ChatGPT or any other tech into the companion.
Perhaps most impressively of all though is the near limitless customization and modularity, allowing the user to create their 'ideal' companion and also swap out any part, any time they like.
Perhaps the catch that some were waiting to hear though is that Aria - or any of Realbotix's other robotic models - is not designed for physical intimacy. Despite predictions assuming we'd be there by now, this robot companion is designed to be exclusively emotional, and to provide companionship in spiritual - not physical - means.
According to Realbotix, Aria isn't just for romantic relationships either, as its construction "makes her suitable for industries requiring personal interaction with humans, such as education, research, healthcare, and entertainment."
While there's no doubting that Aria would be able to provide the necessary information to complete whatever task is thrown in its direction, it's not entirely convincing at the moment that we're far enough away from the uncanny valley to be truly convincing on the visual side of things.