A hyper-realistic humanoid service robot that reproduces not only the appearance of a human but also its body temperature has been unveiled, generating both topic and controversy. (Photo = ‘DroidUP’ official WeChat capture)
[파이낸셜뉴스] A surreal humanoid service robot that resembles not only the appearance but also the body temperature of a person has emerged and is attracting attention.
According to foreign media such as the New York Post on the 12th (local time), ‘DroidUP’, a startup based in Shanghai, China, unveiled ‘Moya‘, the world’s first advanced bionic robot, at Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Robot Valley.
Moya’s key differentiation is that it moves away from the cold metal texture typical of existing robots and adopts ‘warm skin’ that resembles a human. The robot’s body temperature is designed to be maintained between 90 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 32.2 to 36.1 degrees Celsius), delivering warmth similar to that of a living being upon contact.
The visual system is also detailed.
The camera installed behind the eyeball identifies the other person and makes eye contact, making it possible to produce a variety of facial expressions, including joy and sorrow. On-site reporters expressed surprise, saying, “The moment the robot made eye contact, you could even feel a human bond.”
Technical completeness has also been improved. Based on the ‘Walker 3’ platform, accuracy of up to 92% of human walking has been secured, and real-time path navigation and obstacle avoidance are possible with the LIDAR sensor. The company predicts that Moya will perform guiding duties at stations, banks, exhibition halls, etc. or serve as a daily companion.
However, experts’ concerns are deepening over these technological achievements. Technology journalist Kurt Knutson said, “Warmth is one of the clear criteria that distinguishes machines and humans,” and suggested, “If this boundary is broken, discomfort and fear can spread.”
He added, “Warm skin or facial expressions are not essential for guidance services,” adding, “Attempts to assimilate into human society can lead to serious problems such as surveillance, emotional manipulation, and unauthorized data collection.”
Netizens’ opinions are divided. Although some views are positive about technological development, many others expressed negative views, saying, “Humanity is bringing its own destruction” and “Science fiction movies are warnings, not guides.”
Moya is aiming for release in 2026, and the expected selling price is said to be around $176,000 (about 254 million won).
hsg@fnnews.com Reporter Seung-gon Han
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date: 2026-02-15 00:48:00