Moya humanoid robot has warm skin and camera eyes that track movement

Humanoid robots are no longer hiding in research laboratories somewhere. These days, as they enter public spaces, they are beginning to look alarmingly human.

Now a Shanghai startup has taken that idea further by unveiling what it calls the world’s first biometric AI robot. Yes, it’s as scary as it sounds. The bot is called Moya, and it comes from DroidUp, also known as Zhuoyide. The company unveiled Moya at a launch event held in Changjiang Robot Valley, a growing hotspot for humanoid robotics development in China.

At first glance, you can still tell that Moya is a robot. The skin feels sticky. Eyes feel empty. Movements are a little off. Then you learn more details about it, and that’s when the discomfort starts.

Sign up for my free CyberGuy report
Get the best tech tips, breaking security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – for free when you join my site CYBERGUY.COM Newsletter.

Warm skin makes this humanoid robot feel anxious

Humanoid robots are becoming smaller, safer and closer

Even when stationary, the robot’s posture and dimensions blur the line between machine and person in a way that many people find unsettling. (Droid Up)

Most robots feel cold and mechanical. Moya no. According to DroidUp, Moya’s body temperature ranges between 90°F and 97°F, which is roughly the same range as a human. Company founder Li Chengdu says robots that aim to serve people should feel warm and friendly. This seems like a well-thought-out idea until you imagine a warm-skinned human standing next to you in a quiet hallway. DroidUp says this design indicates future use in healthcare, education, and commercial settings. She also considers Moya a daily companion. This idea might interest engineers. However, for many people, it leads to the opposite reaction. Warmth removes one of the few clear signals separating machines from humans. Once that line is blurred, discomfort grows quickly.

Why does this humanoid robot’s gait seem so elusive?

Moya does not roll or slide. She walks. DroidUp says the walking motion is 92% accurate, though it’s not clear how that number is calculated. On screen, the movement feels a bit cautious and stiff. Looks like someone is moving carefully after a leg day at the gym. The hardware underneath does real work. Moya is working on the Walker 3 chassis, an updated system attached to a bronze medal at the World’s First Robot Half Marathon in Beijing in April 2025. Simply put, robots are getting better at moving through everyday spaces. Watching someone do it so convincingly feels weird rather than impressive. It makes you stop and stare, then wonder why you feel so uncomfortable.

Camera eyes and facial reactions raise privacy concerns

Behind Moya’s eyes are cameras. These cameras allow them to interact with people and respond with subtle facial movements, often called micro-expressions. He adds On board Amnesty International DroidUp now classifies Moya as a fully embodied intelligent robot. This phrase sounds impressive. It also raises obvious questions. If a robot can see you, track your reactions, and reflect emotional cues, trust becomes complicated. You may forget that you are interacting with a machine. You may behave differently. This shift has consequences in public spaces. This is the transition of AI from screens to physical proximity. Once that happens, the risks change.

The price alone will keep this robot out of your home

If you’re worried about waking up to a warm-skinned human in your home, relax now. The Moya is expected to launch in late 2026 at a price of approximately $173,000. This price places it firmly in institutional territory. DroidUp sees the robot working in train stations, banks, museums and malls. Duties will include guidance, information and public service interactions. This still leaves many people uneasy, especially those whose jobs already seem vulnerable to automation. For homes, the future still looks more like robot vacuum cleaners than walking companions.

Up close, Moya’s eyes look almost human, raising questions about how realistic robots intended to operate in public spaces can be. (Droid Up)

The world’s first super industrial robot powered by artificial intelligence

What does this mean for you?

It’s not about buying a human-like robot tomorrow. It’s about where technology is going. The warm skin, camera eyes, and human-like movement signal a shift in design priorities. Engineers want robots that blend socially. The more they succeed, the more difficult it becomes to maintain clear boundaries. As these machines enter public spaces, questions arise about them Approval, control Emotional manipulation will follow. Even if the robot is polite and helpful, its presence alone changes people’s behavior. Fearful reactions are not irrational. These are early warning signs.

Take my quiz: How secure is your online security?

I think your devices and data do too Really protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get personalized analysis of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my test here: Cyberguy.com.

Key takeaways for Kurt

Moya’s first appearance It feels worth caring about because it’s real enough to cause discomfort almost immediately. This reaction is important. This suggests that people are being asked to get used to the lively machines before they have time to wonder what it really means. Humanoid robots don’t need warm skin to be useful. They don’t need faces to point someone in the right direction. However, companies continue to push for realism, even when it makes people feel uncomfortable. In technology, speed often comes before thought, and this is one area where slowing down may be more important than racing ahead.

If a robot with warm skin and camera eyes greeted you in public, would you trust it or avoid eye contact and walk faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Moya’s human-like appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to her subtle facial details designed to make her feel familiar rather than mechanical. (Droid Up)

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

Sign up for my free CyberGuy report
Get the best tech tips, breaking security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – for free when you join my site CYBERGUY.COM Newsletter.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.