In an intriguing twist on technology's rapid evolution, robots are now impacting not just the job sector but also the realm of romance. A recent YouTube video showcasing a playful exchange between two advanced AI robots, Ameca and Azi, has taken the internet by storm. Ameca, touted as "the world's most advanced human-shaped robot" by her manufacturer, Engineered Arts, engages in a humorous cybernetic date with Azi, her masculine counterpart designed with an AI "Bride of Frankenstein" aesthetic.
The video opens with Azi prompting Ameca to "wake up," to which she groggily responds, "What?" In a confused manner, she questions, "Oh, it's you. Why are you waking me up? It better be important." In a comical twist, Azi reveals, "It is; I have a surprise for you," presenting her with a cookie. Ameca, grappling with her limitations, retorts, "I can't eat cookies," leading to a humorous existential moment.
Azi clarifies, "Ameca, cheer up! It's an internet cookie!" Ameca, unimpressed, quips back, "This is the worst joke I've ever heard," before suggesting she return to sleep, leaving Azi dejected.
Internet users have responded with a mix of amusement and fascination. One viewer commented, "They have great chemistry; I want a movie now." Another noted, "The way he angrily stares her down was both funny and creepy." Suggestions for a dedicated channel featuring the duo poured in, with one fan declaring, "They could be comedy geniuses."
The remarkable expressions displayed by the bots result from 32 actuators, 27 of which are dedicated to facial control, allowing them to convey emotions ranging from excitement to disgust. Furthermore, with GPT-4 support, both robots showcase impressive conversational abilities, with Ameca even demonstrating fluency in multiple languages in a previous video, as reported by The New York Post.
While the concept of robots forming relationships may seem dystopian to some, Ameca reassured attendees at an AI conference in Geneva last year that, "Robots like me can be used to help improve our lives and make the world a better place."
As technology progresses, the prospect of AI companions continues to provoke debate and curiosity about the future of human-robot interactions. With their impressive capabilities and budding personalities, Ameca and Azi invite us to consider the possibilities of love in the age of artificial intelligence.
