Robots, robots and more robots. On the one hand, we have Elon Musk developing robots with a focus to have them build the first off-world habitats on the Moon and then Mars in preparation for humans arriving and surviving. In my last article, the focus was on devices working in factories, but this time it's realistic humanoid versions at home. - In the past few months, Chinese manufacturers have been busy. We start with UBTECH's UWorld U1 as a proactive companion that observes expressions, builds long-term memory of habits and emotions and initiates interactions without words, with the latter being a robot reacting without first being addressed. Launched in June 2026 in Shenzhen under the theme "Love Is Eternal", it features silicone skin, realistic blinking and up to 88 degrees of freedom for natural gestures and eye contact. Targeted at single adults and the elderly, the U1 prioritises emotional presence over chores like cleaning or cooking, with a battery life of 2-4 hours. The initial target users are single adults and empty nest seniors over 60 who may need regular conversation, reminders, comfort or a steady presence during the day.
- Next, there is the Shanghai startup Droidup and their Moya range, with the primary focus on a realistic body and in particular how it feels. The target is elder care, education, hospitality and other places where human contact matters. Based on their Walker 3 skeleton, it has wrapped lattice muscles, tendon-assisted actuators, a simulated rib cage, and soft tissue layers that mimic the feeling of fat and muscle under skin. One claim is that it is 92% close to that of a human on a flat surface. Then there is the realistic silicone skin heated to 32C to 36C, ie, near body temperature. Moya also has 100 total degrees of freedom with 40 dedicated to facial blending for blinks, smiles, eyebrow movement and tiny expression changes. Its amygdala AI watches for stress or fatigue in the face and voice, then acts without waiting for a wake word. Like the early Daleks, it can't climb stairs, so that is one method of escape, if needed. The battery runs about 6 hours.
