Real Looking Human Androids Both Amaze & Repel

In fact, she’s not even a woman at all.

Japan has previewed the latest advance in robots, creating androids that not only look human but even boast skin that feels like the real thing.

The creatures were created by a robotics lab in Osaka and were previewed in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The models – one of an incredibly lifelike adult female and another replica of a 5-year-old girl – carry more characteristics of humans than other similar machines displayed before.

They blink, appear to breathe using compressed air pumped into their bodies and even express emotions.

Each one comes equipped with 50 different sensors that let their movements appear to be more life-like and if you were to bump into one – you should pardon the expression – in the flesh, you might not realize they aren’t what they seem.

Flexible silicone makes their skin seem soft and supple, furthering the incredible illusion.

And their reactions appear real, too.

Touching the adult version on the cheek elicits a response as if ‘she’ felt a tickle. But it’s clear this almost living doll, named Repliee Q-1, doesn’t like being tapped on the shoulder.

“Stop it!” she replies in an angry tone of voice.  “What’s that matter with you?”

And this replica believes it’s superior to those who have gone before.

“Because I look more like a human being, I think I can communicate with humans better than other metallic or mechanical-looking robots can,” “she” says.

The little girl model has a far less developed vocabulary, able to say only “bye-bye,” “yes,” “no,” and “that hurts.” But what else would you expect from “someone” so young?

“These robots are capable of making movements that human beings are unconsciously making – such as blinking and breathing,” explains creator Motoko Noma. “That’s one of the factors that make them look very real.”

The androids are designed to be used as faux-conversation partners for elderly or bed-ridden patients. And developers hope they’ll eventually be used as receptionists or – does Gord Martineau know about this? – TV news anchors.

And while those who’ve seen them up close agree they’re very impressive, some still aren’t quite comfortable with their all too real presence.

“They don’t show feelings,” shudders Megumi Ishida. “They’ve got artificial smiles and expressions, but I don’t see their emotion and that’s awkward.”

But they may be the wave of the future. The Japanese government believes the market for service robots will reach an astounding $10 billion within the next decade.