A Lifelike Yet Unsettling Creation
The robot features artificial muscles, tendons, and joints, along with a nervous and vascular system. Instead of blood, it pumps water to facilitate movement, while four depth cameras provide vision and feedback.
In a recent video, the faceless android is suspended in the air, its limbs twitching and bending at the elbows and knees. While Clone Robotics showcased this as an impressive technological breakthrough, the response from the public was far from welcoming.
One viewer commented, “You’re freaking me out!” while another added, “Creepy. As. F-k. Why is the human race hellbent on self-destruction?” Others compared the creation to science fiction horror, with one remarking, “We had a good run, fellow humans.”
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Capable of Household Tasks
Despite the eerie reception, Protoclone is designed for practical use. According to Clone Robotics, the android can perform a range of household tasks, including dishwashing, laundry, vacuuming, setting tables, and even preparing meals. It memorizes home layouts and kitchen inventories and learns new skills through a “Telekinesis training platform.”The company’s website features the tagline, “Do it yourself once. Clone will do it forever.” Protoclone is expected to be available for preorder later this year, with a cost comparable to an affordable car, according to industry experts.
Growing Competition in Humanoid Robotics
The rapid advancement of humanoid robots is not limited to Clone Robotics. Several tech giants are investing in similar technology, including Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Meta. Tesla’s Optimus robot, for instance, has been pitched as a future household assistant capable of daily chores, babysitting, and even bartending.Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X, whose company recently launched the robotic home assistant NEO Beta, believes humanoid robots will soon become common. “The future where you have humanoids at home folding your laundry is a lot closer than you think, and the price will be a lot lower than most people imagine,” he said.
While some see humanoid robots as a leap toward technological evolution, others view them as a step toward an unsettling future. The realistic movement and design of Protoclone have reignited concerns about AI and robotics surpassing human control. Critics worry about ethical implications, with some fearing a future dominated by artificial intelligence.
One user questioned, “Why is this necessary?” while another admitted, “I actually feel sick after watching this.”