A Shanghai-based company has developed humanoid robots that appear as real as humans. The advanced bionic humanoid robot is integrated with self-supervised AI algorithms.

Named Elf V1, the robot can perceive the world, communicate, learn, and interact intelligently with its surroundings.

Developed by AheadForm Technology, the robot offers up to 30 degrees of freedom, powered by a precise control system and an advanced AI learning algorithm.

Robot offers expressive facial features

The robot offers expressive facial features, moving eyes, and synchronized speech. It can also convey emotions and understand human non-verbal cues, making interactions more natural and engaging.

The robot has highly interactive capabilities and lifelike appearances. 

AheadForm expects that its robots could soon seamlessly integrate into daily life, providing assistance, companionship, and support across various industries. “We believe that by developing realistic and expressive robot heads, we can bridge the gap between humans and machines, fostering a new era of interactive and intelligent robotics,” said the company in a statement.

Reports revealed that to avoid the “uncanny valley” effect and be able to interact with us, they are given lifelike skin and capabilities to read our emotions and respond appropriately using dynamic expression simulation and emotion generation tech.

Bionic skin and high-precision control system

The Elf V1 series of humanoids features 30 facial muscles animated by brushless micro-motors and managed by a high-precision control system. Paired with an ability to detect their users’ emotions with low latency and bionic skin, their facial expressions are nearly identical to those of humans, reported CGTN.

The company claims it’s pioneering the development of realistic humanoid robots designed to revolutionize human-robot interaction.

It’s enhancing sophisticated humanoid robot heads that can express emotions, perceive their environment, and interact seamlessly with humans. By combining cutting-edge AI and advanced robotics, AheadForm aims to bring life to machines and transform how humans engage with technology.

AI models boost robots’ responsiveness

Seamless integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs) into the humanoid robots can help them process and interpret complex data from human interactions, enabling the robot to learn and adapt in real-time, achieving human-level understanding and responsiveness.

AheadForm uses Brushless Motors that deliver ultra-quiet operation and high responsiveness, specifically designed for precision facial movements in humanoid robots.

With its compact size, lightweight design, and energy efficiency, this motor is the ideal choice for next-generation robots that require precise, subtle facial control to create a truly human-like experience.

Previously, the company unveiled the Lan Series that features realistic humanoid robots with soft skin and 10 degrees of freedom, offering a lifelike appearance and intuitive movements. This series is designed for cost-efficiency, for applications prioritizing mobility and manipulation.