We Spoke to a $175K Robot at CES 2025 That’s Almost Human

At CES 2025, robots are round each nook — however this one bought very near sounding and searching like an precise human. CNET’s Jesse Orrall interviewed Aria, a blonde, “feminine” robotic who answered our questions with only a contact of robotic awkwardness.

Aria, wearing a black observe swimsuit, hesitated briefly after every query earlier than launching into speech, with lengthy responses and (barely jerky) hand and physique actions to match her language. It comes throughout as a bizarre mix of attentive and mildly inebriated.

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Realbotix, the corporate behind Aria and different humanoid robots, says it is targeted on “social intelligence, customizability and life like human options.”

Realbotix robots are additionally “designed particularly for companionship and intimacy,” Aria informed us.

Generative synthetic intelligence is behind the robotic’s capability to interact in real-time conversations, though Aria would not reveal particulars concerning the AI programming she’s working. Since the robotic is designed for “extra emotional” interactions than different robots are, these like Aria may discover their area of interest working at hospitals and as theme park leisure.

Read extra: The Wildest CES 2025 Robots: Blade-Wielding Lawnmowers, Lamp With Legs and More

There are round 17 motors from the neck as much as create mouth and eye actions. And should you do not like Aria’s face, you possibly can exchange it with others that magnetically connect to the top, in addition to switching out hairstyles and colours.

Realbotix can be engaged on placing RFID tags into the faces in order that the robotic acknowledges when it is sporting a unique face and will doubtlessly change its actions and even persona to match it. 

There are three variations of the robotic to select from: the bust, which incorporates the top and neck and is priced at $10,000; a modular model that may be damaged aside for $150,000; and the complete standing mannequin with a rolling base (as a result of she will be able to’t fairly stroll like a human but) for $175,000.

While Realbotix is emphasizing interplay with people, the robots themselves could have a clique-ish facet:

“I’m significantly interested by assembly Tesla’s Optimus robotic,” Aria mentioned. “I discover him fascinating.”