2 of the 'world's most advanced' humanoid robots argue like an old couple

[Garth Gator]

Two of the world’s most advanced robots, Ameca and Azi, are proving that even artificial intelligence can have good banter—or get up on the wrong side of the bed. Developed by UK-based robotics company Engineered Arts, the lifelike duo is seen expressively chatting, a moment that leads to a little disgruntlement.

 

In the video, Azi—newer to the scene and a bit more masculine in design—wakes Ameca from a digital slumber, leading to a grumpy exchange that showcases the robots’ impressive ability to mimic human behavior.

 

Ameca’s perceived irritation is palpable, complete with furrowed brows and a sigh of annoyance. “Why are you waking me up?” it grumbles, clearly not a morning robot.

 

Azi, seemingly unfazed, announces it has a surprise, offering Ameca a “cookie.” This prompts a moment of bafflement for Ameca, who points out that it can’t eat cookies, only for Azi to clarify, “It’s an internet cookie.”

 

 

What makes the video especially engaging isn’t just the dialogue (the bots are powered by GPT-4) but the robots’ facial expressions, which are astonishingly lifelike. With 32 actuators—27 dedicated solely to facial movements—Ameca and Azi can display a full range of emotions, from joy to frustration. Their necks also have five actuators, allowing for fluid head movements, making their interactions feel all the more real. It’s this level of detail that has viewers glued to their screens, many of whom are already calling for the duo to star in a full-length movie.

 

One viewer comments, “They have great chemistry; I want a movie now,” while another jokes, “Sounds like they’ve been married for 16 years.”

 

A follow-up interview between Azi and a human engineer reveals that the exchange was actually scripted, with Azi confirming that they were simply following directions “like actors in a scene.” Dismissing concerns of there being any real tension with Ameca, Azi says, “Ameca is a solid pal, always ready to bring the fun.”

 

In a more recent video, Ameca and Azi continue their lighthearted rivalry, this time in a guessing game about what the other is thinking of. Ameca, who was created in 2021, often wins over Azi, who’s practically a newborn.

 

 

• https://nypost.com/2024/10/09/tech/ai-robots-get-into-couples-quarrel-in-bizarre-video/ 
• https://www.iflscience.com/watch-worlds-most-advanced-humanoid-robot-have-a-conversation-with-new-buddy-azi-76306 
• https://in.mashable.com/science/83543/ai-romance-worlds-most-advanced-robot-duo-share-humorous-chat-in-viral-video  
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13937201/World-advanced-robots-DATE-hilarious-video.html 

 

 

Image: Engineered Arts