Eerily realistic ‘biometric’ robot built for human companionship is equipped with body heat and dense skin
It seems like we're inching closer to HBO's Westworld with every day, and while the whole point of Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy's all-star TV series is that guests couldn't tell the difference between humans and robots, that idea feels even more dystopian when it creeps into our real lives.
Like we've seen the world of artificial intelligence come on in leaps and bounds in a matter of years, we've come a long way from stumbling Boston Dynamics dogs.
While it's all fun and games to chuckle about Cardi B giving a robot a lap dance, there are genuine concerns about robots replacing humans. Away from Elon Musk promoting his ever-advancing Optimus models, there are humanoid robots that can supposedly give birth.
Even if some think humans having sex with robots is an idea saved for science fiction, an increase in ones built for 'intimacy' would suggest it's a market that is growing quicker than you'd think.
Advert
As reported by Dexerto, DroidUp is a Shanghai-based company that has just unveiled Moya. Previously known for its Bipedal Walker II robot, which came third when running the half-marathon at last year's World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, DroidUp’s Moya is going viral because she's 'warm'.
We've already covered Ameca as the world's most advanced humanoid robot, but Moya looks like a very different creation with more lifelike features.
Putting the human in humanoid, it's said that Moya has 'flesh-like padding' underneath her silicon frame, so that you can even supposedly feel her ribs. With interchangeable parts to switch Moya into a male robot, she can also mimic our body heat by maintaining a body temperature of 90 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
When Shanghai Eye covered Moya, it also expanded on how she has a camera behind her eye to interact better with her human owners.
Speaking to the outlet, DroidUp founder Li Quingdu defended Moya's 'heating' feature as he argued against 'cold and mechanical' models by saying, "A robot that truly serves human life should be warm, almost like a living being that people can connect with."
Replying to the video, it appears that this caught most people's attention as the comments quickly slipped into the realms of being NSFW.
One person said: "There is a disappointing lack of an opening on the lower side of that hip setup."
Another added: "I think the only question is, 'Is it self-cleaning?'🤔🤭."
Referring to the American pornography actress, a third concluded: "is it compatible with the Riley Reid sleeve? Asking for a friend."
Others said they'd flocked to the comments and weren't disappointed by what they found.
While Moya can supposedly walk more naturally and display more natural facial expressions, not everyone is convinced she'll be able to replace us flesh and blood humans.
DroidUp is now based in Zhangjiang Robotics Valley, with grand plans to bring robots into our everyday lives, ranging from elder care to other types of 'companionship'. Take from that what you will.