Created by British company Engineered Arts and presented to the public for the first time in 2021, “Ameca” has surprised many people who did not believe that robots could express emotions like humans. In addition to realistic facial expressions and body movements, Ameca also has microphones, cameras, and speakers that allow for real-time interpersonal interaction.
Artificial intelligence, including OpenAI’s GPT-3, is used for facial recognition and verbal processing, giving the most realistic expressions and reactions achievable to date. Some parts of Ameca, such as the teeth and gums, were made using 3D printing, demonstrating how this technology can be part of future solutions.
Founder and CEO of Engineered Arts, Will Jackson, explains that the first thing you learn when doing something like this is that it will never be exactly the same as a human being. However, the key to getting as real as possible is in the smoothness and precision of organic movements. This includes physical motion, expressing emotions, and reacting to stimuli.
Ameca is currently available for rent and for sale with an estimated cost between $120,000 and $500,000 per unit. It ‘s currently a project dedicated to the educational sector, but the project’s authors emphasize that all of their robots are made with parts that can be easily replaced or improved. This is something very important as advancements are coming rapidly. One current challenge is developing precise hand movements to be able to produce drawings or writing with her hands. Have more questions? Maybe she can answer them for herself.