Engineers work on the floor of the Ex-Robots factory in the northeastern coastal city of Dalian, China, to create humanoid machines that possess enhanced facial expressions and emotions
Disembodied heads are on exhibit, and humanoid robots in various stages of construction stand nearby. Neck-length silicone masks, arms, and feet are sprawled on a table. A wall is adorned with robot design drawings.
“We have our own software and algorithm teams,” stated Li Boyang, Chief Executive of Ex-Robots. He also noted that humanoid robots are the most intricate category of robotic products.
Many fundamental models and algorithms are frequently available as open-source software, which is utilized by all.
Nevertheless, our primary focus is on the ability of the AI to identify and articulate emotions and expressions.
A humanoid robot replicates the movements of an Ex-Robots worker, who cancan move her head, smile, and stick out her tongue due to the small motors installed in multiple locations within its skull.
“We are also in the process of developing the foundation model.” The model we are developing is capable of emotional expression and is multi-modal. I stated that it can detect the environment in its vicinity and generate the corresponding facial feedback.
According to Ex-Robots, the production of a humanoid robot requires between two weeks and a month, with prices spanning from 1.5 million yuan ($207,000) to 2 million yuan.
Ex-Robots has located one of its robots in the same building as its factory, but its primary function has been to be displayed in museums.
Li anticipates that anthropomorphic robots will have a more significant impact on the healthcare and education sectors in the future.
“Psychological counseling and health are undoubtedly future application scenarios.”
He stated that we are currently engaged in research related to auxiliary treatment and preliminary screening for emotional and psychological disorders.
“Moreover, emotional interaction has broader applications in service fields, such as those aimed at children.”