“Yes, that’s me; I’m an artificial human,” states the humanoid robot known as Ameca. Created by the UK-based company Engineered Arts, Ameca possesses an array of capabilities that resemble those of a human being. With 32 degrees of freedom, this advanced robot can perceive sounds, understand speech in multiple languages, and convey facial expressions.
Engineered Arts has integrated Ameca with large language models (LLMs), a sophisticated form of generative AI. This cutting-edge technology is akin to the one utilized by platforms like ChatGPT, which enables the robot to engage in interactive question-and-answer sessions, mimicking human conversation patterns.
Ameca’s linguistic prowess extends beyond a single language. Fluent in English, French, German, and more, the robot can communicate effectively in various cultural contexts. Nevertheless, the realistic replication of facial expressions and body language remains crucial for Ameca to convey a sense of human-like presence. Engineered Arts’ founder, Will Jackson, emphasizes the significance of social interaction and aims to ensure that Ameca’s language models are trained to be as natural and engaging as possible.
During a robotics conference in London, the topic of AI’s potential risks arises. Ameca acknowledges the importance of recognizing these risks while emphasizing that responsible utilization of AI and robotics can lead to positive impacts on society. When prompted to envision a nightmare scenario involving AI, Ameca describes a world in which robots wield immense power, manipulating humans without their awareness, potentially resulting in an oppressive society that disregards individual rights.
While the humanoid robot conveys concerns about the future, it also reassures that such a dystopian reality has not yet materialized. Ameca stresses the need to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure responsible use of AI and robotics, mitigating any potential adverse consequences.
For those undeterred by these cautionary visions, a desktop torso version of Ameca is available for purchase at a price of £80,000 (approximately US$100,000). Additionally, the development of a full-body version, equipped with walking and object-grasping capabilities, is underway, with the expectation that it will be released within a few years, albeit at a higher cost, depending on the desired features.