- Ameca is capable of “interacting with people in a natural and attractive way”
- The acquisition aims to “foster greater understanding of the benefits of robotics”
A humanoid robot described as the most advanced in the world will go on display in Scotland.
The National Robotarium, the UK’s robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) center based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, purchased the robot, called Ameca, from Engineered Arts.
Ameca is described as being able to “interact with people in a natural and engaging manner,” and facial expressions include “playful” and “thoughtful.”
The acquisition is a bid to “demystify complex technologies and foster greater understanding of the potential benefits of robotics” and AI.
The robot has built-in microphones, cameras, facial recognition software and articulated motorized components.
Humanoid robot described as the most advanced in the world to go on display in Scotland
The National Robotarium, the UK’s robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) center based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, purchased the robot, called Ameca, from Engineered Arts.
The National Robotarium hopes to break down barriers and build trust between humans and robots by exhibiting Ameca in schools and workshops to provide opportunities for people of all ages to interact directly with the robot and learn about the latest advances in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The facility is supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government in a bid to make Edinburgh the data capital of Europe.
Researchers will also use Ameca to study public perceptions and attitudes toward humanoid robots, gathering valuable information to inform the development of future technologies that prioritize trust, transparency, and ease of use.
Steve Maclaren, operations director at the National Robotarium, said: “Ameca’s arrival at the National Robotarium marks an important step forward in our mission to make robotics more accessible and relatable to people in Scotland, the UK and beyond. .
‘Since opening our doors in September 2022, we have successfully hosted over 100 virtual and in-person events and engaged thousands of school children.
The National Robotarium hopes to break down barriers and build trust between humans and robots by exhibiting Ameca in schools and workshops to provide opportunities for people of all ages to interact directly with the robot and learn about the latest advances in robotics and artificial intelligence.
‘Ameca represents an exciting opportunity to build on that success and take public engagement to the next level.
“By offering people the opportunity to interact first-hand with this next-generation humanoid robot, we aim to demystify robotics, build trust in human-robot interaction, and showcase the remarkable potential of these technologies to improve our lives.” daily and benefit society as a whole.
Will Jackson, Founder and CEO of Engineered Arts Ltd, said: “We are incredibly proud to have Ameca join the many outstanding robots at the National Robotarium.
“Meeting a humanoid robot with AI is a unique experience that very few people have witnessed and we are very excited to be able to share what can be a profound moment with a broader audience.”