China builds humanoid robot with realistic eye movements, bionic skin

China’s AheadForm Technology has developed a highly advanced humanoid robot named Elf V1, featuring lifelike bionic skin and realistic eye movements designed for natural daily interactions. The robot integrates 30 facial muscles controlled by brushless micro-motors and a high-precision control system, enabling expressive facial features, synchronized speech, and the ability to convey emotions and interpret human non-verbal cues. This design aims to overcome the “uncanny valley” effect, making interactions with humans more natural and engaging. Powered by self-supervised AI algorithms and enhanced with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs), Elf V1 can perceive its environment, communicate intelligently, and adapt in real-time to human emotions and behaviors. AheadForm envisions these robots providing assistance, companionship, and support across various industries, bridging the gap between humans and machines. The company’s previous Lan Series offered more cost-efficient humanoids with 10 degrees of freedom, while Elf V1 represents a