Chinese robotics manufacturer, UBTech Robotics, is developing advanced humanoid robot technology that could allow users to recreate the appearance, voice and behaviour of specific individuals through artificial intelligence, 3D facial reconstruction and voice replication.
This has raised new possibilities and ethical concerns about creating digital versions of people, including deceased loved ones.
The development of ultra-realistic humanoid robots, including UBTech’s U1 Ultra, is rapidly advancing, with machines now capable of producing lifelike facial expressions, natural voices and simulated emotions.
The technology could enable robots to replicate the faces, voices and behaviours of specific individuals, potentially allowing people to interact with digital versions of loved ones who have died.
Supporters say the technology could provide companionship and help address issues such as loneliness, but experts warn it could create serious ethical challenges.
Concerns include “digital haunting,” where artificial recreations may interfere with healthy grieving, as well as questions about personal identity, consent and ownership of a person’s likeness.
The possibility of creating embodied deepfakes without permission also raises risks of fraud, manipulation and deception.
As humanoid robots move closer to mainstream use, experts say clear ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks will be needed to address the challenges before widespread adoption.
