A Robot That Mimics Human Facial Expressions in an Eerily Realistic Way:
A Robot That Mimics Human Facial Expressions in an Eerily Realistic Way
Engineered Arts, a UK-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of humanoid robots,
recently unveiled one of its most impressive realistic creations in a video published on its YouTube channel,
which features a robot named Ameca, capable of mimicking a wide range of facial expressions that
resemble those of a human being in an eerily believable way.
At the start of the video, the robot “Ameca” appears as if waking from sleep, with its facial expressions conveying a mix of confusion
and frustration as it opens its eyes. But as “Ameca” begins to look at its own hands and arms, the robot opens its mouth and raises its eyebrows
in an exceptionally convincing manner that is hard to believe is performed by a robot.
This approximately 40-second clip has garnered more than one million views online since Engineered Arts published it
earlier this week.
The company described “Ameca” as the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, representing the cutting edge of humanoid robotics technology,
however, “Ameca” does not walk or jump like the “Atlas” robot from Boston Dynamics, and it is likely
that we won’t see “Ameca” walking or talking to us any time soon.
“Engineered Arts” stated that “Ameca” is currently unable to walk, although the company intends to give it that capability at some point
in the future, just not right now.
Regarding whether “Ameca” runs on artificial intelligence or not, “Engineered Arts” clarified that they have left artificial intelligence
capabilities to developers, as the company focuses on realistic physical movement.
“Engineered Arts” has also developed another realistic robot called “Mesmer“, about which the company said it used 3D
scanning of real people to give the robot a skeletal structure, precise facial features, skin texture, and lifelike facial expressions that align with
the realistic appearance of an actual human being.
Also
In another video published just a few days after the debut of “Ameca”, “Mesmer” demonstrated a series of additional expressions that appeared
more convincing, given that this robot has more realistic skin and facial features than “Ameca” at least for the time being.
Since “Engineered Arts” focuses entirely on highly human-like robots intended for science centers, theme parks, or businesses,
it is likely that “Ameca” and “Mesmer” will become centers of attention in public venues and events, unlike robots designed specifically to perform
a particular task.
“Ameca” Robot Displays Facial Expressions That Closely Resemble Those of a Human
The company announced that “Ameca” is considered a platform for artificial intelligence development, while also allowing others to develop the necessary machine learning algorithms for it.
“Engineered Arts” also previously mentioned that it uses powerful, silent, high-torque motors to drive
the body and head movements of the “Mesmer” robot, with everything designed from scratch so that all components work together
seamlessly. The company also uses sensors such as cameras, depth sensors, “LiDAR”, and microphones. To
control these movements, the company developed a browser-based software that works like the 3D applications used in
visual effects or game animation.
If you want to see “Ameca” in real life, “Engineered Arts” announced that it will be exhibiting the robot during
the “CES 2022” event in January.
A Robot That Mimics Human Facial Expressions in an Eerily Realistic Way:
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