Recently, a Shanghai-based robotics company introduced what may be the most lifelike artificial companion yet created.
DroidUp, a Chinese tech startup specializing in humanoid robotics, has unveiled Moya. It is a biomimetic robot designed to blur the distinction between silicon and flesh.
Standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 70 lbs (31 kg), Moya represents a departure from the cold metallic machines typically associated with robotics.
DroidUp presents Moya, the first biomimetic robot with AI that simulates a human being with expressions, eye contact and microexpressions
>Silicone-like skin with body temperature of 32–36 °C
>Realistic facial expressions and microexpressions
>Natural eye contact through… pic.twitter.com/sHAlK1nd5d— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) February 7, 2026
What sets this creation apart is its attention to biological detail. The robot features silicone skin layered over padding that mimics human tissue, complete with an artificial ribcage structure. Additionally, Moya maintains a body temperature between 90 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 36 degrees Celsius), radiating warmth when touched.
According to Shanghai Eye, DroidUp founder Li Quingdu explained the philosophy behind these design choices: “A robot that truly serves human life should be warm, almost like a living being that people can connect with.”
The robot’s capabilities extend beyond passive realism. Cameras positioned behind Moya’s eyes enable it to track movement, maintain natural eye contact, and recognize individuals in its environment. The system generates facial expressions and subtle microexpressions that help convey emotional responses during interactions.
Engineers claim Moya’s walking pattern achieves 92 percent similarity to natural human posture and movement.
Customization represents another key feature. Users can modify the robot’s appearance by switching between male and female configurations, altering hairstyles, and adjusting other physical characteristics to suit personal preferences.
DroidUp envisions Moya serving primarily as a social companion, with applications in healthcare facilities, elder care environments, and service industries where human-like interaction proves valuable. The company has positioned the robot as a solution for situations requiring consistent, patient presence without the limitations of human availability.
This technology comes with a substantial price tag. Moya is projected to retail for approximately $173,000 when it becomes available in late 2026.
There has been a growing trend of increasingly sophisticated robotics emerging from Chinese technology firms. Earlier this year, Shanghai startup Agibot Innovations earned a Guinness World Record when its humanoid robot autonomously walked 100 kilometers through varied urban environments.
