Protoclone robot. (Image credit: Clone Robotics/X)
A robotics company has developed a disturbingly human-looking robot they're calling “the world's first bipedal musculoskeletal android” — and internet users are not exactly loving it.
Created by Polish startup Clone Robotics, the android “Protoclone” is a faceless robot with anatomically accurate skeleton and muscles. The developers claim that it is able to walk, talk and perform routine household tasks.
A video posted on the X platform that quickly went viral (more than 34 million views as of January 21) shows the robot activating when suspended from the ceiling; its limbs twitch and contract as artificial muscles attached to specific points on the bones begin to work, allowing the skeleton to move.
“ProtoClone is a faceless, anatomically accurate synthetic human with over 200 degrees of freedom, over 1,000 myofibrils [artificial muscle fibers] and 500 sensors,” Clone Robotics wrote under the video.
However, despite the company's enthusiasm for its technological achievements, reactions on social media range from disdain to outright indignation.
“This is my sleep paralysis demon,” one commenter noted. “'WestWorld' is nonfiction,” added another. “Can you just draw a smiley face on your head, please?” asked a third.
Protoclone, the world's first bipedal android with a musculoskeletal system. pic.twitter.com/oIV1yaMSyEFebruary 19, 2025
Rise of the Robots
According to the Clone Robotics website, the android functions with muscular, skeletal, vascular, and nervous systems similar to those of humans. It has 206 bones, like adult humans, made of polymers connected by artificial muscle fibers, which it flexes using a pneumatic system (though the company says the final product will use hydraulics). To navigate its environment, the robot uses a system of sensors connected to four cameras.
The robot is the latest in Clone Robotics' biomimetics line, which also includes a robotic arm and a humanoid torso. The company says the android will be available for pre-order later this year. No price has been announced.
Protoclone isn’t the only humanoid robot to capture the attention of businesses and the public. California startup Figure tested its humanoids at a BMW plant in 2024 and plans to introduce more models this year. Texas-based rival Apptronik is also preparing to roll out its Apollo humanoid robot for use at Mercedes-Benz plants by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Agility Robotics’ Digit robot is set to be deployed in warehouses this year.
Ben TurnerNavigate Social LinksSenior Staff Writer
Ben Turner is a staff writer for Live Science based in the UK. He writes about physics and astronomy, and also covers technology and climate change. He graduated from University College London with a degree in particle physics before becoming a journalist. In his spare time, Ben enjoys reading, playing guitar, and being ashamed of his chess skills.
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