“Westworld” is Closer Than We Thought: Introducing the Human-Faced Robot!
China’s AheadForm has unveiled a humanoid robot head that mimics human facial expressions with startling realism. With its eyes and expressions, it takes human-robot interaction to a new dimension.
A China-based technology company has introduced a new humanoid robot head capable of incredibly realistic imitation of human facial expressions. In the video, which quickly spread on social media, the robot is seen curiously scanning the room and blinking its eyes at a natural, human-like speed.
From Fiction to Reality
AheadForm aims to improve and advance human-robot interaction. For this purpose, it is working on humanoid robots with lifelike facial expressions, moving eyes, and the ability to convey emotions through verbal communication. The company states that it combined self-supervised AI algorithms with bionic motion system technology to create these realistic expressions.
Through the introductory video, the company demonstrates how masterfully the humanoid robots can imitate human-like behaviors, drawing viewers into the unsettling void known as the “uncanny valley.”
The “Only Head” version of the company’s Origin M1 is a facial robot designed for research, interaction, and high-quality exhibition scenarios. It offers a full facial motion system with 25 micro-motors, providing realistic expressions, blinking, and eye movements. RGB cameras embedded in the pupils allow for visual perception, while built-in microphones and speakers enable real-time voice interaction.
The key technology behind the realistic facial movements is specially designed brushless motors. These motors offer silent operation, high precision, a compact and lightweight design, and energy efficiency. The company also has two different robot series named ELF and Lan.
The videos shared by AheadForm may have brought to mind the android-themed park in HBO’s popular science-fiction series Westworld and the 1973 film for those interested in sci-fi. Of course, simply creating a human-like face is not enough, but advancements in robotics are happening very quickly. Furthermore, humanoids combined with artificial intelligence have already begun to communicate naturally with humans, thanks to these algorithms.
The Founder’s Ideals Are Grand
Hu Yuhang, the founder of AheadForm, envisions a future where humans and robots become indistinguishable. In an interview with the South China Morning Post last year, Yuhang said, “In a decade, we may almost feel that they are human when interacting with robots; maybe in two decades, they can walk normally and perform some tasks just like a human.”
Currently, the humanoid robot industry is primarily focused on productivity. Companies like Tesla are pursuing goals such as developing robots that can substitute for human labor or marketing them as the “most ideal helper” for household chores. In short, the current vision positions robots as a “tool.” However, with the rapid parallel advancement of this technology alongside artificial intelligence, it’s quite possible for robots to quickly transition from being a “tool” and become an integral part of life.
You Might Also Like;
