Buzz
We’ve come a long way from the days of fearing artificial intelligence overtaking humanity, and the futuristic robots that seemed like a cross between CP3O and Rosie, the maid robot from The Jetsons.
Engineers have developed silicon skin that feels just like human skin, and they’re fine-tuning facial expressions. They’ve even designed autonomous robots capable of learning and storing data from their interactions with humans and other robots.
While robots and AI haven’t yet dominated the world, their intelligence is already embedded in our technology. The realism of these robots can be so unsettling that it’s almost frightening. Here are ten robots that might just send chills down your spine.
10. Ai-Da
Ai-Da made headlines when she was stopped from boarding a flight. Why? Because she’s a robot, and authorities suspected she might be a surveillance tool. But she’s no James Bond, nor is she the webcam on your laptop that you cover with a sticky note to avoid government surveillance. Ai-Da is an artist, for crying out loud! Let her fly, let her create!
Ai-Da’s programming is so advanced that it enables her to process everything needed for sculpting, painting, and drawing. Her upper body is finely developed, and engineers gave her a distinctly female voice. What truly gives her away as a robot are her exposed, mechanical arms.
Ai-Da is famous for being the first AI to create self-portraits. Did she choose to paint herself? Not really—her creators programmed her to do so, and there’s no evidence of sentience—yet. Still, this milestone demonstrates that robots have the potential to go beyond computers and numbers. Even art is within their reach.
9. Sophia
Sophia, the robot, exploded onto the scene in 2016 and went viral almost instantly. She’s incredibly impressive, especially with her Mojo Jojo-like brain. Created by Hanson Robotics, she is amazingly lifelike, with realistic responses and facial expressions. Just watch her speak: it’s the way her eyebrows move, the tilt of her head when she talks, and even the texture of her skin—it’s mind-blowing.
Sophia’s ability to engage in full conversations has led her to make several appearances on late-night talk shows and other popular platforms. With a shirt and a wig, you might never guess you’re talking to a highly intelligent AI—just someone who might be a little quirky.
Beyond her looks, Sophia plays a crucial role in advancing research into robot-human interactions and the broader future of artificial intelligence.
8. Geminoid DK
Not for nothing, but this next robot's name sounds like something Frank Zappa would come up with. Geminoid DK is an ultra-realistic robot designed to resemble Danish professor Henrik Scharfe (right down to the way he shrugs his shoulders). DK serves as Scharfe’s proxy, operated remotely by the professor.
Geminoid first made its debut in 2011 as a tool for studying human-robot interactions. But let’s be honest, we can’t help but marvel at how the engineers and artists made its face so incredibly lifelike. Out of all the robots here, this is the one you’d never suspect was mechanical—unless you notice the cables running into his lower half, connecting him to various computers.
This might be more intriguing than unsettling if it weren’t for the fact that some of the robot’s facial expressions aren’t quite smooth. If you watch the YouTube video for this segment (you do watch the videos, right?) and skip to about 0:16, you’ll see its abrupt open-mouthed expression—it’s like a creepy peek-a-boo.
I’m not a fan.
7. Jennie the Robo Dog
Jenny, I want your numbah!
This isn’t that, Jenny. This is Jennie. Jennie is a robotic therapy dog designed for people who are unable to care for a real pet. She runs on batteries and doesn’t need to go outside. Unlike many robotic animals that expose their mechanical parts, Jennie is crafted to resemble a fluffy golden retriever, complete with all the adorable details.
Kind of.
Its face has the vibe of a taxidermy project gone wrong, but it’s lifelike enough to be convincing from a distance… it’s definitely unsettling. Still, the creator has put in a lot of effort to fulfill a need, and he’s likely to be very wealthy one day. Even if robot dogs don’t become man’s best friend.
6. Nadine
We’ve talked about robot emotional support dogs, but what about a robot human to offer emotional support? Nadine, developed in Singapore by Professor Nadia Thalmann, is what the robotics community calls a “social robot.” This means she can hold conversations, remember things you tell her, and learn from interactions. Her design is quite good, and engineers even gave her hands! Though, there’s a twist—her hands are a bit unusual (kind of like something out of Michael Crichton’s Westworld).
You know how you’re supposed to do the robot dance with stiff, Barbie-like hands? Nadine’s hands are just like that. Try to shake her hand, and you’ll find no firm grip, just a strange robotic hand with thick fingers.
Nadine has high potential as a prototype for companion robots, and her purpose is admirable. But let’s be honest—she’s a bit unsettling to look at, mostly because, well, she’s a robot. I’m sure she’s a delightful person, though.
5. Henn na Hotel Workers
This is probably what robot skeptics mean when they warn that robots are replacing human jobs. The Henn na Hotel in Japan employs AIs to run most of its operations. Not only are these robots friendly and masters of hospitality, but they’re also multilingual. One of them is even a dinosaur that speaks English. It’s a great business move since the robots have opened up the hotel to a global audience and adventurous hotel seekers.
However, I can’t help but wonder what kind of paranoia might arise when humans are dependent on robots. Will the staff turn against the guests? Is this where the robot uprising starts? Picture this: the robots get the tourists comfy, and then, when they’re peacefully asleep, they attack!
Ahem, anyway. The hotel’s concept is all about technological innovation, but don’t expect room service or microwaves. They do have Wi-Fi though. Perhaps in the future, humans won’t need to eat at all.
4. U.S. Air Force Nano-drone
Until now, the robots on this list were created for more benign purposes like art, support, and hospitality. This one, however, was designed as a spy/DNA-collecting mosquito. Not only did the U.S. Air Force collaborate with researchers to create this privacy-invading machine, but they also made it one of the most despised creatures on Earth.
This micro aerial vehicle (MAV), or nano-drone, was built to fly and land seamlessly on someone’s skin. It’s remotely controlled by an operator. The MAV is equipped with eyes and ears (a camera and a built-in microphone). Sure, that’s unsettling, but it’s standard spy tech. The truly disturbing part is that this drone can “bite” you, take a DNA sample, and even implant an RFID chip under your skin, effectively turning you into a walking tracker.
Right now, it’s tracking devices. But what’s next? Terminal illnesses?
3. HRP-4C
Despite its unfortunate name, HRP-4C is quite an impressive robot. Why? Because it can dance! In fact, it can fully entertain, sing, and even perform alongside humans. However, its complete female form can feel a bit odd. While engineers and artists have made great strides with facial expressions, they’re still working on perfecting natural fluid movement.
HRP-4C may be able to dance, but if I’m looking for some jazz hands, she’s not the one to deliver. Her arms are oddly long, and the more you stare at her, the more unsettling she becomes, leaving you wondering if a fan of Austin Powers designed her to resemble a Fembot.
2. Diego-san
Diego-san is a one-year-old robot baby created by UC San Diego, Kokoro, and Hanson Robotics in 2013. Its primary purpose is to assist researchers in studying cognitive development. You could throw some clothes and a wig on it, and it would easily hide its pneumatic actuators.
The issue lies in its disproportionately large head. This head holds all the machinery needed to process instructions and manage the 27 servo motors that control Diego-san’s facial expressions. It’s also capable of interacting with humans just like a real one-year-old would.
1. PETMAN
They said we should militarize robots, and they said it would be a great idea. Well, for testing how well a soldier’s protective gear stands up to various dangers, they were right. PETMAN, developed by Boston Dynamics, was built specifically for that purpose, and he’s also engineered to move like a soldier. PETMAN can squat, jump, do push-ups, and maintain homeostasis.
Remember back to middle school science class when homeostasis was what separated “living beings” from non-living things? Well, that’s changed now, as robots—like PETMAN—can maintain homeostasis, too.
Though PETMAN isn’t exactly a skinned robot, when he’s dressed in military gear, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. It really makes you wonder how soon we’ll see robots fighting our wars or perhaps even helping to enforce peace.
