If we’re going to get Skynet up and running, we’ll need more than just breakthroughs in artificial intelligence – we’ll need passable robot clones covered in living tissue, so they’ll be able to travel back in time and mingle without being noticed. That’s just how things have to be.
Luckily, Russian robot company Promobot announced earlier this year that they’re entering the robot clone market, with bots designed to look just like humans. Any humans.
“Everyone will now be able to order a robot with any appearance — for professional or personal use. Thus, we open a huge market in service, education and entertainment. Imagine a replica of Michael Jordan selling basketball uniforms and William Shakespeare reading his own texts in a museum?”
It’s called Android Robo-C. While the robot replica can’t walk around (it’s mostly a torso with a screen attached), it is able to move its neck, eyes, eyebrows, and lips to mimic human facial expressions:
“The technology developed by Promobot as well as its own patented design has over 600 facial expressions that allow the robot to mimic a human appearance. Specialists working for the company have created their own component base, and also used the technology to create artificial skin.”
It’s meant to work “both at home and in the workplace,” and in some cases act as a companion that can read you the news or manage home appliances. Or just sit in the corner and look weird, whatever you’re into.
In this video, you can see their attempt at replicating Arnold Schwarzenegger, aka the Terminator. Imagine him reading you the news every morning – might liven things up a bit. The company already has customers lined up, and according to Futurism, one family is looking to have robot clones made of their deceased parents, who will greet guests at their home.
