"Creepy Like a Human"…See the Robot Equipped with 1,000 Artificial Muscles

Anatomically Almost Identical to Humans
A Humanoid Mimicking the Human Skeleton, Muscles, and Nervous System

A humanoid robot exhibiting movements almost identical to those of a human has been developed, causing a significant stir. Anatomically, this robot closely resembles a human and is equipped with 1,000 artificial muscles that operate like human muscles, enabling natural movements. On the 21st (local time), technology media outlets such as Ars Technica reported that the Polish startup 'Clone Robotics' unveiled the humanoid robot 'Protoclone V1.' Protoclone V1 is made from 3D-printed polymer bones and 1,000 artificial muscles.

A humanoid robot that moves in a form almost identical to the liver has appeared, causing a great sensation. Anatomically very similar to a human, this robot is equipped with 1,000 artificial muscles that operate like real muscles, enabling natural movements. YouTube channel 'CLONE'

Protoclone features over 200 degrees of freedom and meticulously mimics the human skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. It has 206 bones, a complete joint structure, and artificial ligaments. This allows it to replicate natural human movements rather than moving like a typical robot, which is its most distinctive characteristic. The main body is covered with rubber skin that conceals the robot’s structure. In a 40-second video released by Clone Robotics, Protoclone, which has a human-like appearance, was shown hanging from the ceiling, waving its limbs like a human. However, the robot’s ability to walk on two feet has not yet been demonstrated.

Since its founding in 2021, Clone Robotics has specialized in biomimetic robotics research. Initially, the company started by developing robotic hands using artificial bones and muscles, and later succeeded in creating a humanoid upper body with shoulder joints, cervical vertebrae, and elbows. Clone Robotics claims that this robot is the world’s first bipedal musculoskeletal android. Currently, Protoclone is in the early development stage and is being developed with the goal of commercializing household robots. Clone Robotics plans to produce the completed version of this humanoid, called 'Clone Alpha,' later this year and release a limited edition of 279 units in small quantities.

Clone Robotics announced that this robot is the world's first bipedal musculoskeletal android. The current ProtoClone is in the early development stage and is being developed with the goal of commercializing home-use robots. The completed version of this humanoid, called 'Clone Alpha,' is scheduled to be produced this year, with a limited edition of 279 units to be released in small quantities. YouTube channel 'CLONE'

Reactions from netizens who saw the robot’s movements were sharply divided. While some marveled at the technological advancement, many expressed unease about a robot that looks so much like a human. Some commented, "It feels like things we only saw in real sci-fi movies are gradually becoming reality," and "It’s so amazing it’s a bit creepy." Meanwhile, with recent advancements in humanoid robot technology, there are expectations that combining these robots with artificial intelligence will create robots even closer to humans, but some voices express concern about robots becoming too similar to humans. Some experts warn that humanoid robots could take away human jobs and that combining them with AI development could lead to ethical issues.