A Chinese robotics company has introduced a line of lifelike humanoid robots built as personal companions, presenting the machines as an answer to loneliness among single adults and older people, according to a video report from news agency Agence France-Presse.
UBTech unveiled the U1 series and describes it as the world's first full-size humanoid robot designed for mass production. The robots use artificial intelligence to hold conversations and respond to a user's emotions, and the basic model can move its head, eyes and mouth, AFP reported. The company said it had received more than 13,300 pre-orders, with deliveries expected to begin in September.
UBTech priced the robots between $17,600 and $145,700, depending on the features a buyer selects. Reuters reported that the U1 line runs from a robotic torso at 119,800 yuan to full-size models reaching 990,000 yuan, or about $145,835, and that it is sold in male and female versions.
The higher-end models carry realistic touches such as visible pores, blood vessels and fingerprints, along with expressive faces and synthetic skin. The company said the robots run on an emotion-focused large language model built for long-term companionship.
UBTech is aiming the products at two groups, Michael Tam, chief executive of consumer unit UWORLD, said in the AFP report. He cited a single population in China above 120 million people, and an elderly care sector serving more than 320 million residents older than 60.
Tam said the robots would stay loyal and "will love you unconditionally," describing the product as "a completely new species" devoted to a single owner, according to AFP.
The basic U1 does not perform household chores. UBTech also said the robots are not designed for intimate relationships, at least "for now".
The launch drew attention on Chinese social media, where users debated the prospect of AI "cyber boyfriends" and "cyber girlfriends." The company's chief branding officer said China's market for such robots could expand from tens of billions of yuan to trillions over the following decade.
UBTech said it aims to complete deliveries of the U1 series within the year.
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