Video: Humanoid robot Ameca can express all kinds of creepy human emotions

We first reported about the robot with creepy facial expressions back in December of 2021. A U.K.-based company Engineered Arts then released another video of their robot Ameca.

The robot exhibited creepy human-like expressions that left us with nightmares for quite a while. Now, the firm is back with a new video, where the robot tries 12 new actuators as it stares into a mirror, turning its face into expressions of disbelief, disgust, pain — and possibly even regret. Could that truly be possible for a robot?

Hand gestures now included

It seems it is and it's an impressive demonstration of the power of cutting-edge robotics. Perhaps what’s most noteworthy about the video is that now the robot also moves the parts below its head. Something it did not do in the first video.

It can be seen gesturing its hand around in what seems like a very realistic movement. There’s no doubt about it, when it comes to mimicking humans Ameca is a pro!

In their video, Engineered Arts also took a swipe at Tesla's unsuccessful attempt to build a humanoid robot. In the background, a person can be seen watching a video featuring the Tesla dancer that was subbed in for an actual humanoid robot.

In the meantime, on its website, the engineering firm states that Ameca is the "world’s most advanced human-shaped robot" that represents "the forefront of human-robotics technology." But what does this mean?

Is Ameca meant to replace us one day in client-facing jobs? The robot would indeed be able to bring a human element to customer service making for a more engaging experience.

How advanced is Ameca?

The key however here is how capable is the robot at displaying human emotions on its own. Does it have advanced enough software that it can respond to and interact with humans?

Engineered Arts does not explore this question or provide any answers leaving us to venture a guess that for now, Ameca can only display the human emotions it is directed to express.

This would make it significantly less of a threat to human employment. However, there is no doubt that the day is coming when robots could indeed replace humans, and Ameca’s display is an important first step in that direction.

Perhaps now is the time to start a discussion about how robots and humans can exist at the same time and about how to use robotics to serve humanity rather than harm it. The topic is a heavy one no doubt but one that simply cannot be overlooked any longer.