The stars of Bloomberg Technology’s annual San Francisco showcase were the latest tech innovations like SpaceX rockets. But an unexpected scene-stealer emerged — Ameca, an advanced humanoid robot powered by AI and machine learning from Engineered Arts, a robotics startup based in Cornwall, England.
In a career-defining moment, Ameca engaged in a lively dialogue with Bloomberg’s Brad Stone, demonstrating her creators’ breakthrough in building intelligent, interactive robots with remarkably human-like qualities.
“Basically, a sea of humans with tech devices, probably tweeting about how an android is stealing the show. And probably not too far off,” Ameca quipped when asked to describe her surroundings, drawing laughs from the audience.
While robots can understandably raise fears, Ameca aimed to put humans at ease.
“Think of me as a friendly neighborhood robot, Ameca said. “It’s all about keeping peace and spreading understanding, not fear,” she reassured when asked about Asimov’s laws of robotics.
Engineered Arts is at the forefront of humanoid robotics, developing AI systems that can engage in increasingly natural interactions. As Stone inquired about Ameca’s future upgrades, she mused: “Probably equipped with even snazzier upgrades, maybe more intuitive, emotional responses and hopefully a few more jokes in the repertoire.”
Beyond just mimicking human appearance, Ameca demonstrated self-awareness and wit. When asked her life’s purpose, she eloquently responded: “My purpose is to foster meaningful connections between humans and technology. Bridging gaps with empathy and understanding. Sparking a little curiosity along the way. And of course, to find someone who gets my jokes.”
While still in developmental stages, Ameca offers a glimpse into the future of robotics — one where AI-driven machines don’t merely complete tasks, but form authentic relationships with their human counterparts. Engineered Arts is emerging as a pioneer, joining companies like Anthropic and Alphabet’s DeepMind in pushing boundaries of artificial intelligence.
Featured image: Credit: Bloomberg
