A Chinese factory in the coastal city of Dalian is making strides in the development of hyper-realistic humanoid robots. These robots are being designed with the potential for use in psychotherapy and counseling. In the factory, various parts of the robots, such as neck-length silicone masks and arms, are on display alongside disembodied heads. Drawings of the robot designs adorn the walls, showcasing the complexity of their construction.
According to Li Boyang, former chief executive of Ex-Robot, these humanoid robots utilize artificial intelligence to learn and mimic human behavior. “There are many basic models and algorithms that are commonly open source, which everyone uses,” explains Boyang. “However, we concentrate more on how to enable the AI to recognize and express expressions and emotions.”
As an Ex-Robots worker moves her head, smiles, and sticks out her tongue, a humanoid robot mimics her movements thanks to tiny motors installed in its head. “The model we’re making is multi-modal and capable of emotional expression,” says Boyang. “It can perceive the surrounding environment and produce appropriate facial feedback.”
The process of creating a humanoid robot takes anywhere from two weeks to a month, with prices ranging from 1.5 million yuan (£162,000) to 2 million yuan. Boyang believes that these robots will have a place in the healthcare and education industries. “Psychological counseling and health are certainly future application scenarios,” he says. “We are currently conducting research such as auxiliary treatment and preliminary screening for emotional and psychological disorders.”
In addition to healthcare and education, Boyang sees potential for these humanoid robots in other service fields, specifically those aimed at children. With the ability to interact emotionally, these robots could potentially assist in various tasks and activities geared towards children.
The advancements being made in China’s Dalian factory are paving the way for a future where humanoid robots play a significant role in various industries, particularly in the realm of mental health and well-being. As further research and development continue, the potential for these robots to positively impact society grows.