Shanghai Startup Unveils Moya, a Humanoid Robot with Warm Skin and Camera Eyes
SHANGHAI, China — In a striking leap forward for humanoid robotics, a Shanghai-based startup has introduced Moya, a biometric AI robot with warm, human-like skin and camera-equipped eyes that track movement. The unveiling took place at Zhangjiang Robotics Valley, a burgeoning hub for robotics innovation in China, where the company DroidUp (also known as Zhuoyide) presented what it calls the world’s first biometric AI robot.
Moya’s design blurs the line between machine and human in unsettling ways. While her plasticky skin and slightly off movements initially reveal her robotic nature, it is the warmth of her skin—maintained between 90°F and 97°F—that provokes a deeper unease. According to DroidUp’s founder Li Qingdu, the robot’s body temperature is intentionally set to mimic that of a human being, aiming to make robots feel approachable and less mechanical. This concept is part of a broader vision to integrate humanoid robots into healthcare, education, and commercial settings.
“Robots meant to serve people should feel warm and approachable,” Li said, underscoring the company’s philosophy. Yet, the idea of a robot with warm skin standing silently nearby, tracking movement with its camera eyes, raises questions about comfort and privacy. The robot’s eyes are embedded with cameras that enable it to monitor its surroundings, a feature that could have significant implications for surveillance and data security.
Moya is slated for commercial release in 2026, with a price tag of $173,000, positioning it as a high-end product likely aimed at institutions rather than individual consumers. Its advanced biometric AI capabilities and lifelike features mark a notable progression in the field of robotics, which has seen rapid developments in recent years. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has documented the increasing sophistication of humanoid robots, emphasizing their growing roles in service industries.
While the technology promises benefits in sectors such as healthcare—where robots could assist with patient care and monitoring—the introduction of warm-skinned, camera-eyed robots also stirs debate about ethical boundaries. Privacy advocates, including those from the Federal Trade Commission, have raised concerns about the potential misuse of biometric data and the need for stringent regulations to govern AI surveillance capabilities.
Experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have also noted that humanoid robots with advanced sensory systems could play vital roles in remote exploration and hazardous environments, where human presence is limited or risky. Moya’s development aligns with a global trend toward creating robots that can perform complex tasks while interacting naturally with humans.
Despite the excitement surrounding Moya’s launch, public reaction has been mixed. Some observers find the robot’s lifelike warmth and attentive gaze “creepy,” as reported by Fox News, reflecting a broader unease about machines that so closely mimic human traits. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “uncanny valley,” describes the discomfort people feel when artificial beings appear almost, but not quite, human.
As Moya prepares to enter the market, the conversation is likely to intensify around the social and ethical implications of humanoid robots that not only look but also feel human. The balance between innovation and privacy, utility and unease, will shape how such technology is received and regulated in the coming years.
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