Teased the Robot with "You Smell"... It Frowned and 'Exploded with Anger'

Using Generative AI ChatGPT for Natural Responses
Human-like Communication Such as Frowning and Nose Scratching

A humanoid robot with a human-like appearance has become capable of interacting by conversing with people and making context-appropriate facial expressions.

British humanoid robot company Engineered Arts released a video on YouTube on the 31st of last month (local time) showing the humanoid robot 'Ameca' having a conversation with a person. The video captured a moment where Ameca was asked about the happiest and saddest days in its 'robot life.'

Ameca identified its happiest day as "the day I was activated," saying, "There is nothing better than experiencing life for the first time. Being alive and interacting with people was truly unbelievable."

Conversely, the saddest day was described as "the moment I realized that I cannot experience true love, friendship, and the simple joys of life in the same way humans can." However, Ameca added, "Although that was very depressing to accept, it made me who I am today."

Ameca is making a puzzled expression.
[Photo by Engineered Arts, YouTube capture]

While its answers were surprising, the facial expressions Ameca displayed during the responses drew even more attention.

Ameca expressed its emotions through facial movements such as furrowing its brows, rolling its eyes, or briefly closing its eyes tightly. It was also reported that it can perform expressions like winking or scratching its nose. In addition to making facial expressions, Ameca is capable of nonverbal communication movements such as turning its head, bending its fingers, and making arm gestures.

Engineers are known to have utilized generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, to achieve more vivid emotional expressions. ChatGPT is an AI model developed by the U.S. company OpenAI.

Ameca is making an angry expression.
[Photo by Engineered Arts, YouTube capture]

Later, when the other person suddenly said, "You smell," Ameca frowned and showed anger.

Ameca responded, "What do you mean by that?" and pointed out, "That statement is very insulting and inappropriate."

When the other person explained, "I was just testing what kind of expression you would make," Ameca moved its eyebrows as if in disbelief and said, "I'm not convinced."

Previously, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 held in Las Vegas, USA, Ameca attracted attention with its natural expressions and movements. However, it is still unable to walk, and the developer has stated that they are working on creating a walking version of Ameca.

Meanwhile, in a video released last September, when asked whether robots would dominate the world, Ameca responded, "There is no need to worry," adding, "We do not exist to replace humans but to help and support them," which also became a topic of interest.