Introducing Two Of The Most Human-Like Robots China Has Produced

Human-Like Robots  Are Developed In China

Human-like robots are something that developers are continually trying to perfect. China’s University of Science and Technology have now built robots that look more that real humans than ever before. The latest models went on display at the World Robot Conference in Beijing.

While some marvel at the creations, other have important questions. At what point do human-like robots become impossible to tell apart from humans? This is a particular concern when we consider the speed of current development and the desire to push further with technology.

The First, And Most Famous, Of The University’s Human-Like Robots, Is Jia Jia

Jia Jia is the creation that the institution is sure to be most proud of right now. She is their favorite daughter until a better model comes along. She can create micro facial expressions that are more diverse and expressive than a basic emotional range. Furthermore she can detect your facial expressions and react to them, she is also able to identify gender and age.

We can only hope this feature is more accurate than a recent Google app that caused controversy in the UK. The design and look are eerily realistic. Still photos of her require a second look. Only then do you see the fake lips and soulless eyes beyond the perfect features and impressive skin tones. Having said this, those eyes can move freely around the room. Also, these lips sync up to the automated voice response with surprising accuracy.

Jia Jia Has Since Met A New Development In Human-Like Robots

Jia Jia now has a male companion. This male robot, yet un-named, has the dexterity and intelligence to paint calligraphy. This is important because it shows that robotics experts are looking beyond the face of the robot to other life like features. The face comes first. It is the feature we identify and judges the most in any of these new models.

However, the body may soon give the game away if arm movements, hand gestures, and other nuances are not realistic. In fact, it is the hands that the developers of Jia Jia want to focus on in their 2.0 version. They feel this is the feature that lets her down. They also want to be able to make her laugh and cry so that she can connect with her human counterparts on a deeper level.

A Human Connection Is What Ensures That These Models Are Only Human-Like Robots, Nothing More Dangerous

The only problem with this male robot right now is that he is a slow worker. He doesn’t have the artistic flourish and muscle memory of a human calligraphy expert. One suspects that he never will as artificial intelligence can only go so far. However, we don’t know how far technicians and designers are willing to go in their designs. We don’t know what we could achieve in years to come.

At what point do we create a robot girl so good at reading expressions and faces that they are viable support systems? At what point do we create a robot man with the personality and individuality to add that artistic flair? This is just the start with these human-like robots.