Most people expect a robot to feel cold. Whether it is plastic, aluminum, or carbon fiber, the tactile experience of touching a machine is usually lifeless and sterile. That expectation was shattered this week in Shanghai. A local startup has unveiled a machine that does not just look frighteningly human but feels like one too.
DroidUp, a robotics firm based in the Zhangjiang Robotics Valley, has introduced Moya. This is a humanoid robot designed to bypass the traditional “robot” look favored by companies like Boston Dynamics. Instead of exposed servos and metal plating, Moya features soft, silicone-based skin. The most shocking detail is that this skin is heated. It radiates warmth just like a living person.
This launch marks a significant shift in the global robotics race. Engineers are moving beyond simple locomotion and logistics. They are now entering the realm of “embodied intelligence” where the goal is social integration. Moya is not just a tool. She is built to be a companion.
Breaking the Cold Metal Stereotype
The engineering team at DroidUp made a conscious decision to ignore the uncanny valley. This is the unsettling feeling people get when a robot looks almost human but not quite enough. Most manufacturers avoid this by giving their robots featureless faces or screens for heads. DroidUp went the opposite direction.
Moya stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 70 pounds. Her dimensions mimic the average adult human female. Underneath her exterior is a modular platform. This allows the hardware to support different appearances. The company can swap silicone shells to present the robot as male or female without altering the internal mechanics.
The physical construction is incredibly detailed. There is a rib cage structure beneath the torso. There are layers of soft padding between the chassis and the skin to simulate human tissue. When you press against her arm, it yields slightly. It does not feel like a hard shell.
The heating system is the true differentiator here. DroidUp engineered a thermal regulation system that keeps Moya’s surface temperature between 90 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the standard range for human skin temperature.
Li Qingdu, the founder of DroidUp, explained the philosophy behind this choice to local media outlets. He believes that for a robot to truly serve in domestic or healthcare settings, it cannot be a cold object. It must offer the comfort of a living presence. This “biomimetic” approach is risky but could redefine how humans interact with machines in nursing homes or hospitals.
Realistic female humanoid robot Moya smiling with warm silicone skin texture
Intelligence That Mimics Biology
A realistic body is useless without realistic movement. Moya is equipped with an advanced internal camera system paired with generative AI. This setup allows her to track the people in front of her. She does not just stare blankly. She locks eyes.
Social media footage from the debut event shows the robot performing subtle facial movements. She tilts her head when listening. She offers a slight grin. She can even twitch the corner of her mouth or raise an eyebrow. These are micro-expressions that humans do unconsciously. Moya has been programmed to replicate them to build rapport with users.
The walking mechanics are powered by complex algorithms. DroidUp claims Moya achieves 92 percent human-like accuracy in her gait. However, early observers noted that her stride still possesses a mechanical stiffness. It is not perfectly fluid yet.
This level of facial control separates Moya from other competitors in the Chinese market. While companies like Unitree have mastered backflips and speed, DroidUp is chasing emotional intelligence. The robot is processing visual data in real-time to react to the emotional state of the human user.
The Cost of Artificial Companionship
Advanced bionics come with a heavy price tag. DroidUp has positioned Moya as a premium product for specific sectors. The primary target markets are healthcare, elderly care, and high-end business reception.
The company estimates a starting price of around $173,000. This places Moya in the luxury tier of robotics. It is far more expensive than a Tesla Optimus or a Unitree H1. The high cost is likely due to the complex materials required for the heated skin and the custom servo motors needed for facial expressions.
Mass production is scheduled for late 2026. The company is currently refining the software to ensure the AI can handle complex social interactions safely. For a hospital or a wealthy family, the promise is a 24/7 aide that never gets tired and feels pleasant to hold.
Why Shanghai Is Betting Big on Humanoids
The debut of Moya is not an isolated event. It is part of a massive coordinated push by China to lead the world in humanoid robotics. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China recently issued a guideline. They want to mass-produce humanoid robots by 2025 and ensure the technology is advanced by 2027.
Zhangjiang Robotics Valley is the epicenter of this ambition. It hosts over 150 different robotics companies. The government provides subsidies, talent, and infrastructure to help startups like DroidUp move fast.
The industry calls this “embodied AI.” It is the idea that artificial intelligence needs a physical body to truly understand the world. Chatbots like ChatGPT live on servers. Robots like Moya live in our physical space.
This creates new challenges. Safety is the top priority. A 70-pound robot operating in a home must never fail. Privacy is the second concern. A robot with cameras that watches you in your bedroom raises serious data security questions. DroidUp will need to address these issues before the 2026 launch to gain consumer trust.
Summary
DroidUp has unveiled Moya, a hyper-realistic humanoid robot that features heated skin to mimic human warmth. Standing 5 feet 5 inches tall, the robot uses a modular design and AI-driven facial expressions to interact socially with humans. While the walking mechanics still show some stiffness, the attention to physical detail like a rib cage and soft tissue padding sets a new standard. The robot is targeted at the healthcare and luxury companion markets with a price tag of $173,000. This launch underscores Shanghai’s aggressive push to become the global capital for embodied artificial intelligence.
What do you think about a robot that feels warm to the touch? Is it comforting or just too creepy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you are discussing this on X, use the hashtag #MoyaRobot to join the conversation!
