Watching Ameca and Azi talking is chilling. How far could they go together?

With 32 facial actuators, they achieve human-like expressions, generating admiration and concern in their autonomous interaction.

Isbel Lázaro.

Published: October 27, 2024

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British robotics company Engineered Arts has unveiled Azi, its latest humanoid robot that promises to captivate (and baffle) audiences. Designed as a demonstration of cutting-edge technology, Azi joins Ameca , its predecessor, in a special moment where the two interact with an almost human-like ease.

Azi is designed to converse like a human. Source: Engineered Arts

“Too human” interaction

The video shows Ameca and Azi having a fluid conversation, enabled by ChatGPT ’s artificial intelligence. What is most astonishing are their facial expressions, controlled by 32 actuators that reproduce a wide variety of gestures. This level of precision allows their expressions of surprise, displeasure or sadness to look eerily real , generating a mix of admiration and concern in those who observe them.

Ameca and Azi's facial expressions — Azi is capable of generating multiple facial expressions. Source: Engineered Arts

Ameca and Azi’s ability to mimic human emotions is the result of complex advances in artificial intelligence and robotic design. The 27 actuators on their faces control minute details, such as lip and eyebrow movements, achieving a high level of similarity to human gestures. This type of interaction opens the door to discussions about the ethics of developing machines that look so much like us.

Ameca and Azi are humanoid robots — Azi has 27 actuators on his face. Source: Engineered Arts

Ameca and Azi are obedient humanoids

Amid the growing debate over the realism of robots, Engineered Arts claims that Ameca (which recently declared itself self-aware ) and Azi are completely safe and obedient . The company insists that these humanoid robots are programmed to avoid any harm, emphasizing that their mission is only to explore the potential of robotic technology . The video below shows Azi conversing fluently.