Viral Humanoid Robot Raises Concerns Over Lifelike Design

Clone Robotics unveils Protoclone, a musculoskeletal android with human-like movements, sparking online unease and debate over its implications.

Protoclone, developed by Clone Robotics, is described as the world's first bipedal, musculoskeletal android, featuring 206 synthetic bones, artificial muscles, and a sensor-based nervous system.
A promotional video showing the faceless robot twitching while suspended has garnered over 32 million views, with widespread reactions ranging from fascination to fear.
The robot is equipped with advanced technology, including over 1,000 Myofiber artificial muscles, 500 sensors, and four depth cameras for vision, enabling lifelike movements and environmental adaptability.
Clone Robotics plans to release 279 units of its commercial model, Clone Alpha, later in 2025, with proposed capabilities like household chores and conversational interaction, though skepticism remains about these claims.
Public reaction has been mixed, with comparisons to dystopian science fiction and debates about the ethical and practical implications of creating human-like robots.