Promobot, a Russian manufacturer of autonomous service robots, has began mass production of what it claims is “the world’s first humanoid android”.
Android Robo-C mimics the appearance of a person and has been designed to be integrated into a business environment.
The anthropomorphic machine can copy over 600 human facial expressions; moving its eyes, eyebrows, lips and other ‘muscles’. It can also engage in conversation and answer questions.
Specialists working for the company have created their own component base and have used the technology to create artificial skin.
Promobot believes Android Robo-C is capable of overcoming barriers in human-machine interaction and may replace employees in crowded work places such as post offices, banks, and municipal institutions.
The company is also planning to manufacture robots for personal use, such as companions or personal assistants.
Aleksei Iuzhakov, chairman of the board of directors of Promobot, said: “Everyone will now be able to order a robot with any appearance — for professional or personal use. Thus, we’re opening up a huge market in service, education and entertainment.
“Imagine a replica of Michael Jordan selling basketball uniforms and William Shakespeare reading his own texts in a museum?
“We can build a linguistic model based on popular phrases of a particular person – the robot will communicate and answer questions by analysing frequent expressions of the ‘original’ and using a certain context of knowledge of this person.”
The manufacturer claims to already have several private orders and is negotiating with companies interested in purchasing a robot for customer service.
Founded in 2015, Promobot is one of the largest manufacturers of autonomous service robots in Northern and Eastern Europe. Its products are used in 35 countries as administrators, promoters, consultants, guides and concierges.
