DroidUp, a robotics startup based in Shanghai, has introduced a humanoid robot called Moya that aims to change public perceptions of robot design and interaction, tells this New Atlas article. Unveiled at Zhangjiang Robotics Valley, a hub for emerging robotics developers, Moya is described by the company as a “highly bionic robot” that combines humanlike movement with expressive facial cues and warmth rather than the cold, metallic look typical of many robots.
Moya stands about 1.65 meters tall and weighs roughly 32 kilograms, proportions close to those of an adult human. Makers say its walking posture achieves 92% accuracy compared with human gait, and the robot can produce a range of micro-expressions such as smiles, nods, and subtle shifts in gaze thanks to cameras and AI processing directed at its face. These features are part of what DroidUp calls embodied artificial intelligence, meaning the robot perceives, interprets, and reacts to people and its surroundings in real time rather than simply executing programmed motions.
A standout design choice is temperature control built into Moya’s exterior, which keeps surface warmth in the range of 32–36°C, a detail intended to make physical interaction feel more natural. Such lifelike traits have drawn attention and mixed reactions online, with some observers noting the robot crosses into the uncanny valley where almost-human likeness feels strange to viewers.
DroidUp positions Moya not as a factory machine or home appliance but as a potential companion in roles that rely on social presence, such as healthcare, education, or customer service in public spaces. The company plans to bring the model to market later this year with a reported starting price of around US $173,000, although full technical performance details remain limited outside company claims.