California-based Clone Robotics has released a video showcasing its full-body Protoclone humanoid robot—and it's undeniably eerie. However, future iterations of the Clone robot may take on more practical roles, such as vacuuming our homes.

Figure 1. Clone Robotics Reveals Eerie Footage of Twitching, Kicking Humanoid Robot.

Clone Robotics first gained attention three years ago with the debut of its Clone hand, a highly realistic device designed to replicate human anatomy and movement. This hand will eventually be integrated into the production-model Clone robot, which aims to closely mimic human form and function. Figure 1 shows Clone Robotics Reveals Eerie Footage of Twitching, Kicking Humanoid Robot./p>

This design choice makes sense, as the Clone robot is intended to handle household chores like laundry, dishwashing, meal preparation, and, of course, vacuuming. Since these tasks rely on tools and appliances designed for human use, a humanoid robot may be the most practical solution for seamless integration into everyday life.

The Clone robot is designed to feature a full polymer skeleton, replicating all 206 human bones, though with fewer fusions for improved flexibility. Each joint will be fully articulated, allowing for natural movement.

Its limbs will be powered by Clone Robotics' Myofiber artificial muscle technology, previously demonstrated in the Clone hand and torso. Much like the human musculoskeletal system, this design uses "muscles" attached to the skeleton via tendons, enabling lifelike motion.

The Myofiber system, inspired by the McKibbin muscle concept, mimics human muscle function through a mesh tube containing an internal balloon. As hydraulic fluid is pumped into the balloon, it expands radially, causing the mesh to contract longitudinally—just like real muscle fibers. The Clone's equivalent of a human heart is a 500-watt electric pump, capable of circulating hydraulic fluid at a flow rate of 40 SLPM (standard liters per minute) and a pressure of 100 psi.

Beyond its muscular system, the Clone is also equipped with a sophisticated nervous system. This will include four depth cameras in the skull for vision, 70 inertial sensors to track joint positions, and 320 pressure sensors providing muscle-level force feedback. These components work together to enable real-time reactions to visual stimuli and even allow the robot to learn tasks simply by observing its user.

While the robot may not be ready to vacuum carpets just yet, its humanlike movements and appearance are undeniably impressive. Clone Robotics states that the Protoclone features over 1,000 Myofibers, more than 200 sensors, and a total of over 200 degrees of freedom, allowing for highly articulated and lifelike motion.

Clone Robotics plans to begin production with a limited initial batch of 279 units, dubbed Clone Alpha. Preorders are expected to open later this year, though pricing details have yet to be announced.

The Uncanny Debut of Protoclone

Clone Robotics recently released a video showcasing its full-body Protoclone humanoid robot, capturing attention for its eerily realistic, twitching, and kicking movements. While still in its early stages, this prototype hints at the company’s vision of highly functional, humanlike robots for household and industrial use.

From Clone Hand to Full-Body Prototype

Clone Robotics first made headlines three years ago with the introduction of the Clone hand, designed to closely mimic human anatomy and dexterity. The Protoclone builds on that foundation, incorporating a full polymer skeleton, all 206 human bones (with fewer fusions), and fully articulated joints, making it one of the most anatomically accurate humanoid robots to date.

The Power of Myofiber Artificial Muscles

The Protoclone’s movements are powered by Myofiber artificial muscle technology, inspired by the McKibbin muscle concept. Each muscle consists of a mesh tube with an internal balloon that contracts when hydraulic fluid is pumped in. The system is driven by a 500-watt electric pump, functioning as the robot’s "heart," delivering fluid at 40 SLPM and 100 psi for lifelike motion.

A Nervous System for Learning and Adaptation

To achieve humanlike awareness, the Clone robot features an advanced sensor system, including:

• Four depth cameras in the skull for vision
• 70 inertial sensors to track joint positions
• 320 pressure sensors for muscle-level force feedback

This setup allows the robot to react in real time and learn tasks simply by watching humans perform them, making it a potential game-changer for household automation and assistance.

The Future – Clone Alpha and Beyond

Although still in development, Clone Robotics has announced plans for a limited production run of 279 units, named Clone Alpha. Preorders are expected to begin later this year, though pricing details remain undisclosed. While the current iteration may seem unsettling, future versions could become practical household assistants, performing tasks like dishwashing, laundry, and vacuuming.

Source: NEW ATLAS

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2024), “Clone Robotics Unveils Unsettling Video of Twitching, Kicking Humanoid Robot”,AnaTechmaz, pp. 298