Uncanny Valley! Realbotix's latest humanoid robot features silicone skin and eerily lifelike movements - but it costs $60,000

Realbotix has unveiled a new line of humanoid robots – and they're eerily lifelike. The Echo bots feature ultra–realistic silicone skin and 39 degrees of freedom, meaning they can move around just like real people. Users can choose between four characters, which each have their own distinct look and personality. Aria has blonde hair and blue eyes, and is optimistic and curious, while Mila has dark brown hair and green hazel eyes, and is described as empathetic and nurturing. There's also Dave, who is witty and precise, and Amar, who is confident and steady. Unsurprisingly, the robots come with hefty price–tags, with the full body version priced at $59,950 (£45,115).'Echo robots represent a major step forward in Realbotix's mission to improve human lives through social robots,' said Andrew Kiguel, CEO of Realbotix. 'We are creating companions that support, educate and care for people in meaningful ways.' The Echo bots feature ultra–realistic silicone skin and 39 degrees of freedom, meaning they can move around just like real peopleThe Echo robots come in two models – tabletop or full body. The $11,950 (£8,983) tabletop version features a face and neck and is suited for 'one–on–one education, therapy, and personal wellness', according to Realbotix. The full body version, meanwhile, features an entire body, and stands at 6ft (female version) or 6.4ft tall (male version). 'Every Echo robot features Realbotix’s ultra–realistic proprietary silicone based synthetic skin design and advanced facial expressions for lifelike, empathetic interaction,' Realbotix explained.'Built–in speakers in the chest cavity deliver clear, natural audio for communication and engagement. 'Echo robots support over 100 languages and respond in the language used to address it.'In terms of uses, Realbotix suggests that the Echo bots could be used in elder care, wellness, hospitality and retail, education, or corporate services. The full body version features an entire body, and stands at 6ft (female version) or 6.4ft tall. Users can choose between four characters, which each have their own distinct look and personalityHowever, the hefty price–tag will likely put many potential buyers off. While the full–body version already costs $59,950, you'll have to fork out an extra $24,950 if you want to unlock the full AI capabilities, dubbed Vinci Vision.'Vinci Vision lets Echo see who's in the room and respond to them, not just to what they say,' Realbotix explained. The company posted a video on its social channels to celebrate the launch, and many unimpressed users have pointed out the likely use of AI. 'Trying to figure out if this is an AI video or legit. The difference in quality is crazy from your previous models,' one viewer replied. Another said: 'This is an A.I. video but it is a great concept. 'The price is still too high. If you knock it down to $2,000, it will become a fad and fans will start to develop for it and contribute ideas to make the robot heads look as good or better as your A.I. video.'And one vented: 'Stop posting this AI slop.'