At first glance at this footage, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it as a clip from the latest science fiction blockbuster.
But the humanoid robot in the video is very much real.
Dubbed ‘Origin–F1’, the robot is the brainchild of Chinese robotics company AheadForm.
Its facial expressions and movements are eerily human–like thanks to AI–driven facial motion algorithms, which deliver natural motion while avoiding ‘uncanny effects’.
To get your hands on one, you’ll need to splash the cash, with the Origin–F1 estimated to cost between $50,000 and $173,000, depending on the configuration.
However, this price tag doesn’t seem to faze many fans, who are desperate to get their hands on one.
Commenting on a video of the robot, one viewer said: ‘My father saved his money for a house, I am saving mine for my future robot dream girl.’
Another added: ‘We’ll be able to have a robot girlfriend that’s way out of our league.’
At first glance at this footage, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it as a clip from the lastest science fiction blockbuster. But the humanoid robot in the video is very much real
AheadForm describes the Origin–F1 as a ‘desktop ultra–bionic humanoid robot for real–world human interaction scenarios’
AheadForm describes the Origin–F1 as a ‘desktop ultra–bionic humanoid robot for real–world human interaction scenarios’.
In terms of software, the bot features AI–driven facial motion algorithms, which co–ordinate facial expressions, eye movements and speech.
And when it comes to hardware, the robot features 26 degrees of freedom, which allow it to carry out even the most subtle of micro–expressions.
‘It combines bionic mechanical design with multimodal artificial intelligence to deliver natural, vivid, and continuously evolving interactive experiences in a physical embodiment,’ AheadForm added.
On the website, the Origin–F1 is described in two forms – ‘black’ (a female humanoid with black hair), and ‘white’ (a female humanoid with light blonde hair).
However, AheadForm claims it could have ‘unlimited character appearances’ in the future.
‘Through 3D reconstruction and high–precision biomimetic skin, the virtual image is perfectly restored,’ it explained.
Its lifelikeness has delighted fans online, with many praising its realistic movements.
On the website, the Origin–F1 is described in two forms – ‘black’ (a female humanoid with black hair), and ‘white’ (a female humanoid with light blonde hair)
In terms of software, the bot features AI–driven facial motion algorithms, which co–ordinate facial expressions, eye movements and speech
On YouTube, one said: ‘The blinking of the eyes is the most realistic I’ve ever seen in a robot. It feels so natural and impressive!’
Another wrote: ‘Eye realism (blinking speed and cadence, left/right and up/down movement) is pure next–level.
‘She radiates a sense of true awareness. AheadForm have landed on the other side of the uncanny valley and it’s amazing.’
And one said: ‘By far the best of the best right now. This is the turning point.’
Meanwhile, others claimed they are willing to fork out the $150,000 to get one themselves.
One simply said: ‘Take my money.’
Another claimed: ‘Please release as soon as possible, I will spend anything.’
And one joked: ‘Wow I’m looking at my future wife.’
A release date remains unclear at this stage, although the Daily Mail has contacted AheadForm for clarification.
The news comes shortly after UBTech Robotics unveiled a new generation of humanoid robots said to be designed for a ‘lifetime’ of companionship.
The Uworld U1 androids are covered with ‘biomimetic skin’ that looks and feels just like that of a real human.
And the company even claims that the robots’ specially designed ‘spines’ mean they can reproduce 90 per cent of human movements.
The male and female versions stand at 183 and 169 centimetres tall respectively, and weigh about half as much as their average human counterpart.
They are being offered for sale in a basic torso–only version as well as in two full–body options with more advanced features.
UBTech says that prices start at £13,218 (119,888 RMB), with the high–end units costing up to £109,205 (990,000 RMB).
