China unveils ultra-humanlike robot that blinks, twitches, nods like real person

A Chinese Robotech company has unveiled its first ever ultra-humanlike robot face that blinks, twitches and nods just like a real person.

The company, Aheadform, aiming to build humanoid robots more approachable and relatable, published a video on YouTube showing movements of the newly developed robot face.

Aheadform states that the robot is designed for research, interaction and high-end display scenarios, adding, “It integrates a full facial actuation system with up to 25 micro motors enabling lifelike expressions, blinking, and eye movements.”

It further said, “Embedded RGB cameras inside the pupils provide visual perception, while built-in microphones and speakers support real-time audio interaction.”

Aheadform said the ‘Only Head version’ of AheadForm Origin M1 can be mounted on various bases or integrated into larger robotic systems, making it an ideal platform for emotion-driven AI studies, human–robot interaction research, and character-based installations.

The Chinese company claims to develop advanced bionic humanoid robots that integrate self-supervised AI algorithms with high high degrees of freedom (DOF) bionic actuation, empowering future AGI to express authentic emotions and lifelike facial expressions.

Reacting to the video shared on YouTube, one user wrote, “The most realistic robot face so far, keep up the good work you will earn big! If I was Musk I would have already bought the company.”

Another expressed caution, stating, “Watching this robot’s face move so naturally is impressive, but it also reminded me of what the 12 Last Steps book explains, that every leap in realism blurs the line between tool and replacement." 

They continued, "We think it’s just about blinking our eyes, but each step is one closer to machines that study us, copy us, and eventually outperform us in ways we can’t easily take back.”