Ameca Humanoid Robot From Engineered Arts to Debut at CES 2022

Androids are still a long way from being widespread in commercial or healthcare settings, but they are getting more realistic. Engineered Arts Ltd. today announced Ameca, its latest humanoid robot. The Falmouth, U.K.-based company said the system is based on 20 years of innovation and includes advances in movement and natural gestures, intelligent interaction, and "future proof" software "designed to embrace artificial intelligence and computer vision with adaptive learning."

“A humanoid robot will always instil an image of what the future may hold,” said Morgan Roe, director of operations at Engineered Arts. "Ameca represents a perfect platform to explore how our machines can live with, collaborate, and enrich our lives in tomorrow’s sustainable communities.”

“Ameca integrates both AI with AB -- artificial body -- for advanced, iterative technologies that deliver superior motion and gestures, all housed in a human form and robotic visage for a non-threatening, gender-neutral integration into an inclusive society,” he added.

Ameca to be available for rent

Beginning with the RoboThespian in 2005, Engineered Arts has been developing humanoid robots for entertainment purposes. Since then, the company has unveiled the Mesmer and Quinn models. The systems run on Engineered Arts' Tritium cloud-based operating system, which drives robot animation, human-machine interaction, maintenance links, and content distribution.

Engineered Arts said its team can create any robot figure in as little as four months. All of the company's robots are available for purchase or through an integrated end-to-end rental program for special limited engagements and showcases across the world.

The Ameca (pronounced "Am-ek-uh") series offers users a customization pathway via an application programming interface (API) that was not previously available, said Engineered Arts. The robot includes upgradable modular mechanics via a cloud-managed API development tool kit.

While some technology observers debated whether Ameca was on the "creepy" side of the so-called uncanny valley with its realistic facial expressions, Ameca is designed to be engaging and nonthreatening for customer-service, hospitality, and entertainment applications.

Engineered Arts plans to display Ameca at CES 2022 from Jan. 5 to 8 in Las Vegas. The humanoid robot will be at at Booths 62502 and 62524 in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Pavilion in Tech West Hall G, in the lower level of the Venetian Expo Center.