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Vicky Sharp
Vicky Sharp

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Ameca, the 'World's Most Advanced' Humanoid Robot, Arrives in Scotland

Ameca, the cutting-edge humanoid robot created by British company Engineered Arts, has found a new home at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, Scotland. This marks a significant milestone in the National Robotarium's groundbreaking initiative to make robotics and AI more accessible and relatable to the public.

Described as the 'world's most advanced' humanoid robot, Ameca is set to play a crucial role in the National Robotarium's mission to build trust and understanding between humans and robots. Equipped with sophisticated features, including embedded microphones, cameras, facial recognition software, and articulated motorized components, Ameca is capable of interacting with people in a natural and engaging way.

The National Robotarium, a partnership between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, has purchased Ameca, making it the first place in the UK to host this state-of-the-art humanoid robot. The facility's dedicated public engagement team will feature Ameca at various events, school visits, and workshops across Scotland and beyond, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to interact directly with the robot and learn about the latest advancements in robotics and AI.

"The arrival of Ameca at the National Robotarium marks a significant step forward in our mission to make robotics more accessible and relatable to the people of Scotland, the UK and beyond," said Steve Maclaren, Chief Operating Officer at the National Robotarium. "By giving people the chance to interact with this state-of-the-art humanoid robot firsthand, we aim to demystify robotics, foster trust in human-robot interaction, and showcase the remarkable potential of these technologies to improve our daily lives and benefit society as a whole."

Through these public outreach and education programs, the National Robotarium aims to break down barriers and build trust between humans and robots. By showcasing Ameca's capabilities, the facility hopes to provide valuable insights into the public's perceptions and attitudes towards humanoid robots, which will inform the development of future technologies that prioritize trust, transparency, and user-friendliness.

"We are incredibly proud to have Ameca join the many pre-eminent robots at the National Robotarium," said Will Jackson, the founder and CEO of Engineered Arts. "Meeting an AI-embodied humanoid robot is a unique experience that very few people have witnessed, and we are very excited to be able to share what can be a profound moment with a wider audience."

The National Robotarium's initiative to showcase Ameca and build public trust in robotics and AI is part of the broader Data-Driven Innovation initiative, supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government. This investment underscores the importance of fostering public engagement and acceptance of these transformative technologies as they continue to shape our future.

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