On 21 August 2024, the World Robot Conference held in Beijing drew significant attention online globally.
During the event, videos circulated online of ‘female’ humanoid robots who appeared almost eerily too ‘human.’ Their movements and mannerisms appeared peculiar, prompting viewers to contrast their likeness to real humans.
A TikTok user under the username @/abdullafex shared one such video captioned ‘There is a fake robot here,’ of the humanoid robots. Commenters were claiming it to be ‘cosplay,’ and not actual robots.
One user shared their confusion, noting the new heights that technological advancement in the modern era has reached.
Many claimed that the robots in the background were the real robots, while the ones in front were in cosplay and not machines.
The event consisted of forums, exhibitions, competitions and showcases from 169 companies, including Tesla.
The Reality
X users also questioned the reality, because while the robots in the background looked real, the human-like ones up front seemed too good to be true. The discussion was prompted on X by user @/froggyups, who debunked the mystery of the human ‘robots.’
Many commenters ended up being correct in assuming that the two ‘robots’ in front were not actual robots. Telltale signs suggested that the ones in the back were real robots with specific, programmed movements: infrequent and inconsistent blinking alongside continual swaying motions unlike the walking humans.
The same X user shared a behind the scenes footage showing two women getting their hair styled and makeup done to resemble robots. At the event, the two models then put on their best act to appear robot-like.
The stunt was conducted by Chinese humanoid robot company ‘EX-Robot’ that aims to create robots to soon serve the general public in both private and public sectors.
The Rise of Humanoid Robots
Designed after humans to move and appear as them, humanoid robots are occupied with features such a head, limbs, torso, and in some cases, the ability to walk. Unlike human beings who rely on their senses, humanoid robots use cameras, sensors and AI to interact with people and understand their environment.
The Chinese government has set goals to build a supply chain and system for innovation by 2025, with support towards the rapid development of humanoid robots.
Applications of humanoid robots in China and beyond include, but are not limited to, industrial applications, the service sector, scientific exploration and disaster response.
Here are some key humanoid robots revealed by China in 2024:
- Qinlong Humanoid Robot
- Ubtech Industrial Robot
- Unitree Robotics Inspection and Monitoring Robot
- Xiaomi’s CyberOne Customer Service Robot
- Finally, EX-Robot’s own EX-Machina
Watch the original video here:
@abdullafex • يوجد روبوت مزيف هنا. بكين، المؤتمر العالمي للروبوتات. There is a fake robot here. Beijing, World Robotics Congress.
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