How This Humanoid Robot Was Made | WIRED

This team of designers and roboticist think they've figured out how to combat the uncanny valley. WIRED talked with Will Jackson, founder and CEO of Engineered Arts to understand how they design, prototype, and test their humanoid robots.
Thanks to the team at Engineered Arts for the tour www.engineeredarts.co.uk/
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[@soccerplayer3412]

It’s so smooth is almost looks animated, that’s insane

[@danielladwein2570]

I actually thought it was cg. But holy shet that looks smooth

[@beebs4283]

yeah. i’m not sure that’s good for what they’re trying to accomplish, but it at least looks nice.

[@longdong7667]

@@beebs4283 Japan uses a large majority of them for customer service.

[@tainacastro7136]

@@danielladwein2570g

[@adonaiyah2196]

Yea it looks animated

[@ch1lly05]

Its kinda creepy but i like the fact that the robot in the background is moving around

[@Sarahlynn0105]

I agree!

[@jostinzelaya2868]

I the robot apocalypse come I going buys gun to stop them

[@CookedRigatoni1]

Its plotting its escape.

[@agingmillennialmainer]

It's the blinking for me.

[@stacy5713]

why it's creepy i don't understand

[@Appletank8]

The thing about trying to make more human movements, its something I notice in a lot of 3D animation too. Often times, there's no sensation of inertia, stopping and starting too quickly.

[@erindsouza5887]

thats cause a lot of animated films use motion capture. it speeds up the animation process.

[@Appletank8]

@@erindsouza5887 Arguably using motion capture would make it look better, since people have weight, unless the fidelity isn't high enough.

[@erindsouza5887]

@@Appletank8 I dont think itll make it look better. Itll only make it realisitc. If you want a cartoony looking animation, then youd have to manually animate the characters.

[@Appletank8]

@@erindsouza5887 alright, clarifier, when i wrote the comment I was primarily thinking of youtube dance videos. i assume professional studios have the time to make characters move with weight, as outside of visual gags, you don't want to give the impression that the character has the density of styrofoam. That's why squash-stretch is so important. there's a very small number of mmd or what have you that do make you feel that its not a plastic cutout.

[@erindsouza5887]

@@Appletank8 uhh what are you talking about? I am talking about animation studios like Disney/dreamworks or even the small studios. I never said that you would not need to apply the principles of animation when doing manual animation? Also, what's mmd?

[@malachitestorm]

I understand why people find droids uncanny, but I personally like them very much, they don't seem creepy to me. Such an impressive technology, I wonder if I could see one of these in person someday...

[@Lunafreya_Nox]

Same... I was just started to liked them after Detroit became human SHOWED to ME, it seems that if robot like them is helpful to us as long as they are unharmed I would probably like them as yknow houseguard nor nanny nor watever that uses and helpful. The things that sad is when ppl someday abused them to the point that they will fight u back that was a dangerous thing would happened . Just just already smart too I mean their capabilities . Arghh just play nor search Detroit became human so u will understand how amazing storyline is.

[@leelambert8721]

@@Lunafreya_Nox I bet you subconsciously thought about that game due to the commenter using the word droid short for Android and no one else uses droid as their descriptor

[@idontreadorreply]

OMG SAME! Finally someone who thinks like me!

[@johntoes1260]

@@leelambert8721 I would let them implant a chip in me if I had the chance

[@cindywelch6321]

Why can't we just all stay in our homes and let them do everything for us. Do they wipe your assets too.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

It's really creepy how more and more robots are becoming more humanoid

[@voltronane1900]

hmmm you again!

[@Ninyaho]

बिल्कुल टर्मिनेटर मूवीज की तरह

[@ardikasaputra6773]

DBH

[@alechamilton1864]

it's like people don't watch movies like Matrix, I Robot, Terminator. It's almost like scientists really just want to kill the human race

[@assasinationnationz5654]

@@alechamilton1864 😂 hit the nail on it’s head

[@NOguy667]

I always find it so interesting that we know so much about the human body yet it's so hard replicate...

[@ms.artichokecheesepizzawst3239]

Bc it’s made by God . Can’t be replicated

[@NOguy667]

@@ms.artichokecheesepizzawst3239 true

[@OLBarbok]

Because one is limited by the materials and how they function, while we have muscle,skin etc that has no real equivalent in materials.

[@justindaniels411]

@@Always-Tired incorrect, we are subjected to nature for our behavior just like every other animal. Disease and famine is natural. What makes you think we deserve immortality and endless bliss?

[@ronjakirves1500]

@@ms.artichokecheesepizzawst3239 not really

[@Samuel-ku1qb]

I am so grateful that they made the robot blue-grey. I honestly love this robot because it doesn't feel so... evil

[@danielmethner6847]

Also it's amazingly neutral, in that it has European, African and Asian facial features at the same time somehow.

[@SDRIFTERAbdlmounaim]

same color as a T800 or worse yet a TX... very friendly looking color

[@DarylSolis]

Having a morning coffee while watching this makes me feel happy to be alive in this time we live in. Make no mistake, despite the terrible things going on in the world, we are living in the cleanest, safest time in human history. Let that sink in, and be happy with who you are and what you have. For our time on this world is numbered and the best thing that you can do, is just appreciate every moment of living.

[@GreenAppelPie]

Very impressive progress. I noticed the heads move strictly laterally, if you added some random tilting, it would look more natural.

[@anaysayersyes]

1:02 is that not enough tilting for you

[@MichaelOrtega]

@@anaysayersyes I think he meant that is still a little stiff. But clearly we have done a very good job

[@Ironpants57]

@@anaysayersyes The movement still feels linear and vectored. Meaning, the movement do not feel fluid enough. Too many stops-and-goes in the movement. Think of running in a circle, but actually you're running in a square.

[@ireallylikenuggets9490]

@@MichaelOrtega Did you look at the neck pegs found in dolls during your design process? They do seem to have a wide variety of movement, for a chunk of plastic. I dunno, just curious.

[@Ariadne4]

You really want it to look even more natural? That's creepy as heck

[@sullivan5127]

As creepy as this can be, it's extremely impressive. Using this technology in the movie/entertainment industry would be insanely good for practical use

[@bercikgruba6974]

Nope

[@hannahn1428]

@@bercikgruba6974 I've seen to many movies and theories, using this for film industry is better

[@bercikgruba6974]

@@hannahn1428and thats why art is dying

[@psychicmane7636]

@@bercikgruba6974 I agree with you on both points what good can come of this I don’t know

[@Carl-ld5jy]

No, it would be so ungodly impractical. CG makes these things obsolete.

[@amvapprentice1333]

It's crazy and unreal how far robotics have come!

[@dzezonja3558]

There's a fine line of this being really interesting and terrifying at the same time.

[@user-vb3rv2cr4t]

"Even his wobbly little wee legs-I think he's gonna punch me" This line is underrated

[@coryb3]

i was waiting to find this comment! i just wanna make sure i wasn't the only one who found it hilarious. (also, after rewatching that part, i think he said ear lobes. don't quote me on that though, cuz I also thought he said wee legs)

[@funkyfranx]

@@coryb3 yeah, he said ear lobes

[@user-vb3rv2cr4t]

@@coryb3 now that I watched it again, he definitely said "Lobes" 🤣 thanks for the correction

[@SwordGuy17]

Despite how he obviously did say ear lobes, the captions do actually say wee legs.

[@deltahawkins7490]

The massive lesson that I think the researchers are catching on to is that *a robot doesn't need to appear human to have humanlike qualities.* Personification of something that doesn't look like a person.

[@SophiiLuca]

like how a vague and abstract painting of a person can seem very lifelike and lively, without going into the uncanny valley. If that makes sense lol

[@toxicmaniax5719]

makes me think of chappie

[@shura6835]

Imagine in the next years robots become so advanced and human-like and you can't tell apart which is human or robots anymore

[@qualitypudding]

Honestly I love this type of thing. To me it’s the most interesting thing out there, and the progress is so interesting to watch.

[@user26344]

I love how Ameca looks like she constantly feels awkward 😂 relatable

[@sanzar4540]

Especially the smile. Lmao

[@UberTheWolf]

That's a chick? Thought it was bloke.

[@deathlydashi]

@DON'T ok.

[@muibit]

@DON'T alr

[@GNParty]

@DON'T Shut up.

[@LeBeautiful]

Detroit HUMAN becoming a reality.

[@goodnight2931]

There were things with the same concept before Detroit become human existed

[@ZyCraftyyy]

Y u think they made the game.. they tellin us already

[@bambiiiamara]

One step closer to getting Connor

[@Mini-wd7qz]

I want to play that game what is the age rating?

[@ZyCraftyyy]

@@Mini-wd7qz E

[@greenghoul157]

The way this robot moves is so realistic it's insane

[@burnthetrolls5971]

I'm not sure how to feel about this on one hand it's amazing to see this feat in technology that has only been a fantasy achieved in real life and maybe used to help benefit mankind but on the other hand Terminator, I Robot, and Blade Runner are now becoming a reality and that's scary to think about

[@hazim9529]

Cool story

[@user-sp3dq7cc2l]

i’m incredibly impressed, to think about where we started and where we are at now is just wow.

[@daemonthorn5888]

I wish we had super advanced robotic bodies that we could, "transplant", our brains into. This would be a miracle for people with severe paralysis, or deadly diseases. I'm currently dealing with cancer. If I was given the chance to have my brain removed and transferred to a, "synthetic", body, I'd do it in a heart beat.

[@GF93725]

I am with you I be one of the first to volunteer

[@Yitzaak]

I'm sorry to hear that. Wishing you the best, Daemon.

[@min4743]

Immortal at it's finest, well so long as the brain is well protect

[@lubbyLB]

so you want to be an exo

[@LeesReviews69]

Elon will be working on that next im sure. Hang in there friend 🤲

[@izukumidoryia6319]

It looks so cool. So much time and money was used for this! ❤️

[@heretic3334]

This is so cool! :D I wish I can live long enough to see these robots become more mainstream

[@sub-zero286]

"Detroit - Become Human" is looking more and more like a glimpse into the future rather than a game.

[@PinkPixelProductions]

For real. I was literally just watching a DBH playthrough yesterday and so when I got recommended this I was so surprised. I didn’t know we were ALREADY making advancements towards human looking robots like this.

[@marisolbecerra06]

@@PinkPixelProductions actually same, I was watching jacks playthrough and then I saw this and thought it was cgi, it’s crazy how much technology has advanced to the points of making robots that look and act like real people, and also seem to make 2038’s androids an actual possibility

[@Human1136]

They'll most likely be used by the antichrist..

[@lonelywolfmusic-officialmu2596]

I swear to god that robot looks like a well animated CGI to the real world even it is real as heck. I am impressed

[@kayskreed]

As a kid that grew up in the 90s, I am all for this. Most realistic and detailed expressions I've seen in a humanoid android yet. Blade Runner and GITS, here we come!

[@presleybell4002]

I find this stuff fascinating, it also keeps freaking me out with the bot moving its head in the background 😂

[@racookster]

This company is making the best humanoid robots I've seen yet.

[@koilamaoh4238]

China may be ahead, some years ago.

[@zefsam2517]

the most challenging part in my opinion is the fact that humans are constantly moving and NEVER EVER can be still. On the other hand robots dont have the fluidity of those subtle movements

[@JB-co1br]

Fitting for a public speaker performance

[@timestamper9589]

1:27 She is wondering tf is he doing

[@ctr_1602]

This a scary direction in human history. The guy’s excitement and passion makes this creepier.

[@beatlemania8273]

Wow it's not as creepy as I thought despite looking realistic. Interesting how this works.

[@infinityseagull3752]

I was prepared to be extremely creeped out by the robot but it looks so endearing?? 1:42 that was such a nice smile I almost went aww lol. whatever they're doing is definitely working

[@MorriganJade]

Ameca indeed has less of an uncanny valley feel than the average robot I have seen over time!

[@alessandromonderen3945]

07:09 the guy at the back hahah

[@MyIndependentChannel]

Would be interesting to see a side by side, frame by frame comparison of a similar movement between robot and human. Without seeing that, sure seems like the robot movements are sometimes a little too slow. At least I think that's one big thing limiting my ability to believe it is alive... In addition to the unnatural skin color of course.

[@shockmanish]

I never knew how to feel about AI. Some say just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.

[@mysteryman4013]

These are robots controlled by humans without the ability to think for themselves. It’s siri with a body. Ai is a completely different story, I can agree with you there. I do not want robots thinking for themselves

[@itskindofemily]

Ai is used everywhere. Like even for better conversation predictions for those conversation bots. At least these are clunky and might fall if they run after you lmao

[@JohnDoe-tx8lq]

@@mysteryman4013 Wrong, AI is everywhere. AI is the ability to automatically react and make decisions, using advance 'intelligence' to decide what the appropriate actions should be. Like diagnosing Heart, Lung & Brain problems and solutions based Scans, self-drive cars, automated buying & selling on the Stock Market, Social Media Chat Bots... all sorts of stuff. All of these are designed to 'think for themselves' without having any kind of human consciousness / soul.

[@JohnDoe-tx8lq]

​@@itskindofemily We already have.

[@mysteryman4013]

@@JohnDoe-tx8lq no you are wrong. He was talking about the robots in the video. The robots in the video have no artificial intelligence, they are programmed. Thanks for your long pointless comment tho😮‍💨

[@dimitarmatanski3712]

That's a very uncanny valley right there. But it also fills me with hope for the future

[@Shlosched]

This is absolutely incredible.

[@FM-vr4my]

That wasn’t a smile, it’s frightening

[@gabecoolwater4497]

Ameca is awesome! It's the first time I see a robot smile that seems genuinely nice and kind, instead of creepy and weird. Nice job! How long until we can get android companions? 😆 I want one!

[@10_98L]

Okay

[@wewo9872]

Detroit become human

[@grindx1292]

probs maybe 10-15 years

[@makaveli6873]

@@grindx1292 will u be getting one

[@grindx1292]

@@makaveli6873 maybe, depends on the cost when it lowers down by A LOT (when it goes down to 1-2k dollars) i'll get one

[@Rose7576_]

Its scary how these robots have the ability to preform simple tasks while also looking human. Scary but cool. Also, props to all the artists who make these robots so realistic.

[@idontreadorreply]

I think one of the biggest improvements to the robots would be their talking. Like us humans mouths move very naturally and much as we speak, so adding more flexibility to the mouth would result in more realistic looking speaking. Also just generally making the skin softer so it can have more diverse movements.

[@rachelmm05]

If you are a kid of the 80s, 90s and early 20's we saw futuristic movies just like this. Now it's here😳. Very cool technology yet definitely giving me the robots override their original perimeters and decide they no longer want obey their original purpose.

[@user-mm3sd3uh6y]

Blade Runner anyone?

[@JacySanjunXiao]

Exciting and scary at the same time, I might be born in 2000's but I do agree that 21th century generations are responsible for the future responsibilities and events.

[@ooglyga6100]

7:17 when it glares over. "BE PREPARED"

[@srikar7984]

Very cool and is an awesome development

[@lauren3173]

I can’t wait to see what the future brings with these robots!

[@NickFindsNick]

I’m surprised the word “never” was used by the designer…..even 10 years ago we “never” thought this would be possible. Never say never 😊

[@doctorbigsmiles]

I like how he said it with a giggle, famous last giggles IN THE FUTURE THERE WILL BE NOTHING TO LAUGH ABOUT

[@matthewviramontes3131]

Can you imagine Ameca being uploaded with GPT-3 software? I could just sit there and talk to it for hours.

[@Just_Shaun]

That's really fascinating, I like it

[@mygetawayart]

I realize that maybe they're already doing it, but since we can program AI for 3D digital models, animated by a database of motion-captured real movements, can't we just use that same strategy for a physical AI, where a robot has a database of animations and it responds to the environment like procedural animations (which is something we already have in robots), programmed to adapt to each case individually.

[@Michael-dj6pd]

Boston Dynamics already has this for balance and incline control of their robots.

[@ObiPerez]

Plot Twist: They are already perfect in mimicking humans and the guy giving the talk is one of them designed to give you the illusion that they’re not a threat while they think a masterplan to overtake society without resistance

[@nightforest1693]

Yeah and sadly people would just think this is new tech coming out now

[@virajvjoshi]

Westworld!

[@nightforest1693]

@@virajvjoshi yeah that's what this robot reminds me of

[@krashd]

I created a story with a similar premise, the CEO of a tech company holds a presentation to debut his company's latest A.I. but instead he asks a member of the audience to come up on stage before getting the audience member to perform several simple tasks - just as the audience are becoming impatient he then commands the person on stage to change their hair colour and they do. The audience then realises they have been watching the A.I. all along.

[@Orc_Savage]

Honestly, I want Amica as a friend, he seems like he would be a good listener.

[@aliceallgrown]

This is so very cool. Every day is a step further into the future, like science fiction becoming reality, slowly but surely. If we humans can dream of something, we can strive to make it real. So cool. This is the kind of thing that makes me think living is worthwhile. Just to see what will come next.

[@hindsightpov4218]

0:32 Ameca suddenly became self aware when he wasn’t looking.😬

[@Beastyray-pc4vc]

Well now we know that gregory might actually be an animatronic

[@kekeoshai3482]

I can’t wait for it to be perfected so I can buy one

[@JayZ-eu5lk]

I think they should also built a fail safe thing to turn off robots if they get self aware

[@riwjr]

It only looks human. It’s only programmed to make expressions

[@itsDhiran]

Holy moly.....This is the pinnacle of human technology

[@FallenJustice]

Just like we witnessed the birth of the internet and the early days, we are witnessing the birth of a real life Westworld.

[@Human1136]

We are screwed my friend, we need Jesus Christ fr fr

[@nerp1018]

I love how all of the principles they use for the motion are ancient animation principles.

[@Jiratram]

Yeah that good of a robot has feature.

[@Drmm-el4nv]

6:26 if you showed me that robot with no context I would legit think it was a real person

[@daisykid3]

It feels odd to say but the robot has a great smile! It looks great

[@steelcyclone1325]

This is amazing! Quite excited to see how it develops more. I don't experience the uncanny valley, that probably has something to do with being on the spectrum. Anyway, Impressive progress!

[@winterweib]

Ameca is the very first robot which I really love. She is so cute and acts so innocent. Please do not change anything about her! It would break my heart, you may laugh about me or not :)

[@SinisterPlayZ_250]

Wth

[@BlondieSL]

I wonder some things. - what is the difference in the model you get for $150,000 and the one for $500,000? - The guy said that this is basically a base shell (my words) and that whomever buys it, does their own programming for AI and I would assume, how it interacts with the environment. - I'd want to know what programming language the buyer would use to interface with the base software. - Does the company provide some training on how to interface with APIs and functionality of Meca? - Is there an accessible "learning database" that all units can access to "increase" intelligence? Or is ALL AI and learning only by what the purchaser can develop? - Is Meca "modular" so that as improvements are made to hardware, can the new "updated" parts be installed in the main unit? For example, if/when an upgrade can have it walking around will that be made available (for a cost, obviously) to the purchaser? If so, would there be a base-software update as well? AND if YES, would it cause problems with the purchasers' coding? So many questions and at the prices asked, one would need to know for sure, what they can and cannot do in their own software development. I can only imagine what the next 50 years will bring.

[@GF93725]

I'm sorry to text but price doesn't matter to me because I can't afford that anyway

[@MrOoof]

@@GF93725 inflation but you're right. You're never gonna afford it

[@richardlyd7450]

Its base software is tritium software..can learn it in a few hours..look at website

[@miguelcardona7865]

We’re can buy we this robot

[@BluesElwoo2]

Its sort of cool to imagine a robot sitting down next to you, but also terrifying. I hope I see it before I die, but no doubt that kind of technology can be used for some really bad stuff.

[@NidalWorld]

I find it very interesting that 90s robots are back and considered new!😃

[@web3global]

Amazing!

[@swannschilling474]

Its still more an animatronic than a robot/android but its the most impressive piece of tech that I have ever seen when it comes to humanoid robotic motion!!

[@johnstrand7456]

Absolutely astounding!!

[@deedee7733]

What a remarkable company.

[@Jesseweneedtocook1708]

Cool! Can't wait to see model RK800!

[@xelda2288]

I think one of the best achievement is they surpassed Mark Zuckerberg's expression capabilities

[@EthanfromEngland-]

A fantastically cool company and they are making such amazing progress. Even cooler to know its an England-based company.

[@jacksonsims4954]

So close to 9 million

[@RJCed]

When he walked in the room with Alfred Dint even notice he's a robot

[@ourcorrectopinions6824]

The first thing I noticed with the newest robot was the lack of nose movement during facial expressions. If they corrected this, the believability of everything else would increase tenfold.

[@viewer8734]

Or we just transition into robots ourself. I wanna be a cyborg fr fr

[@squanchmastersquanch4376]

1:54 Engineer: Explains how he built the robot. Robot: Looks right to left. Starts walking behind engineer. Chokes him. Smiles. Camera man: Runs and screams for his life.

[@Rapidly_]

I absolutely love these more humanoid robots

[@ToyotaTacomaOfficial]

1:03 That guy in the background is like omg

[@ChessQuickies]

That looks cool, wow! Insanely Hyperrealistic...

[@tejasn3835]

spoiler alert: The man speaking was a humanoid Bot all along!

[@johnmckinney5931]

This is really creepy yet really impressive

[@jonsanimationstudio8145]

this makes me think i, robot wasn't just a movie, but a prediction. they're scary, yet impressive robots.

[@CreativeSteve69]

This is a very interesting intake on Humanoid Robots Wried. Thanks for brining Will in this video. Always wanted to learn how to make my own AI. This motivates me to learn more coding to achieve it. :)

[@pasindulakshan5938]

Idk about others but this made me feel grateful for the life I have, Basically these people are trying to build a artificial human but it's hard and that means you should value your life and be grateful for everything you have Sorry for my bad English

[@Human1136]

It's ok.. your English..

[@maiasarwer1557]

I like that she looks cartoon-ish and has grey skin because it prevents the uncanny valley effect. she looks charming and sweet like a Pixar character.

[@thesleepydot]

this is incredible!

[@kushqueen.]

Dbh was set in 30 years, not to far now. We'll have some badass robots that will outadvance us in mere years.

[@khumoangel]

November 2038 better be a vibe

[@JDelta87]

It’s all really interesting how they’ve gotten them to look so lifelike but I couldn’t help but think of Ex Machina while watching this.

[@gpeddino]

This reminds me of Björk's "All is Full of Love".

[@AllGreenize]

You know Eagle I, definitely had made one already that looks exactly like him, ready to use when needed 😂

[@JustForReference]

You know who would have been really good to have on your team, animators.

[@RealNFVlogs]

I should’ve never played Detroit become human 😐

[@mokly4316]

I think we will never overcome uncanny valley, it's still a machine inside

[@louisquartersson4555]

There were previously two humanoid robots made. They were interviewed and claimed “They were already in control”. They’ve been shut down since that.

[@bekah888]

Not gonna lie, when I first saw it I had the instinct to punch it in the face and run away. But, that was my first instinct my rational mind is curious, impressed, and slightly suspicious.