DroidUp's humanoid robot impresses with its face

The robotics startup DroidUp, based in Shanghai, has introduced a humanoid that has quickly gained attention online for one specific feature: its face.

The face is covered with a material that mimics the texture and appearance of human skin. This is not merely an aesthetic choice. The artificial skin can maintain a temperature between 31.7 and 35.6 degrees Celsius, closely resembling that of the human body.

Facial expressions are varied and quite natural. However, the walking ability is not yet on par with other humanoids developed in China, indicating that movement still requires improvement.

According to founder Li Qingdu, many robots on the market today convey a cold and mechanical sensation due to their rigid structures. DroidUp's goal is different: to design machines intended for interaction with humans, featuring physical characteristics that are closer to those of a living being.

This topic is not only technical. As human-machine interaction becomes more frequent, elements such as temperature, surface, and expressiveness can influence how people perceive and accept robots.

A comparison with robots developed by Tesla is useful. Tesla's approach, with the Optimus project, is more focused on industrial function and large-scale production than on aesthetic realism. The design remains deliberately mechanical and simple, aimed at working in factories or logistical environments. In contrast, DroidUp focuses on interaction with people and greater physical resemblance to humans, prioritizing user experience over mere efficiency.