China's UBTech unveils AI-powered humanoid companion robots

BEIJING: Chinese robotics company UBTech has introduced a new range of highly realistic humanoid robots that it says are built for companionship and emotional support, with an artificial intelligence system designed to detect and respond to a broad spectrum of human emotions.

The company launched the new U1 series on Tuesday. The announcement triggered discussion on Chinese social media about the possible emergence of AI-driven cyber boyfriends and cyber girlfriends. The robots are being offered in both male and female versions.

UBTech said the U1 lineup includes products ranging from robotic torsos priced at 119,800 yuan to full-sized humanoid companions. The most expensive models are priced at as much as 990,000 yuan, equivalent to $145,835. The company says the humanoids are designed with detailed physical features including visible pores, blood vessels and fingerprints, along with expressive faces and lifelike digital skin aimed at improving interaction between humans and robots.

In a company statement, UBTech said the robots are powered by what it described as an emotional large language model developed for long-term companionship. The firm said the system is able to identify more than 20 human emotions with an accuracy rate of over 90%.

UBTech also said it has received 13,361 orders for the U1 series and is aiming to complete deliveries within this year. The company expects the Chinese market for ultra-realistic humanoid robots to grow sharply over the coming decade.

Tan Min, UBTech's chief branding officer, outlined the firm's expectations for the sector's expansion.

The industry "will grow from tens of billions of yuan ⁠to trillions of yuan between 2026 and 2036," Tan Min, UBTech's chief branding officer, said.