EXPOSED: Chinese Robots are FAKE! You Won’t Believe Who’s Inside!

The World Robot Conference in Beijing was expected to showcase cutting-edge advancements in robotics, but one exhibit caused a stir for all the wrong reasons. Attendees and online viewers were astonished by what appeared to be lifelike humanoid robots on display. However, the truth was far less high-tech and much more theatrical: two of the “robots” were actually human women dressed as futuristic androids.

The Great Robot Illusion

Social media erupted with footage from the event, showing these so-called humanoid robots posing impressively. The craftsmanship behind their appearance was so convincing that many were duped into believing they were witnessing a breakthrough in robotics. But the illusion was quickly debunked when an image surfaced showing one of the women having lunch—an act no real robot could perform.

During the World Robot Conference 2024 in Beijing from Aug 21 – Aug 25, 🇨🇳 animatronics company EX-Robot (or EX Robots as reported by some news media) hired 2 women cosplayed as robots to spice up the exhibition.

Hmmm… two human beings mimicked the movements of robots that… pic.twitter.com/hRGxgfe4mD

— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) August 26, 2024

This stunt wasn’t the first time humans dressed as robots had been used to create a buzz. Tesla famously drew criticism in 2022 when a dancer in a skintight suit performed as the company’s new Optimus robot during a high-profile event. But the cosplayers at the World Robot Conference, presumably hired by animatronics company Ex-Robots, took the deception to a new level. Their performances were so convincing that they even fooled several viewers on social media, leading to widespread speculation.

The Social Media Fallout

As the videos circulated, many were captivated by the “robots,” with some even believing they were witnessing the future of humanoid robotics. “Many people think these are all robots without realizing they’re actually two human beings cosplayed as robots among the animatronics,” reporter Byron Wan shared on social media. The clever, albeit misleading, stunt triggered debates online about the ethics of such marketing tactics.

One particularly gullible user’s tweet claiming the cosplayers were “straight out of sci-fi” robots quickly gained traction. However, a community note soon clarified the situation: “The original post clearly says these are fake robot girls. Account owner is farming engagement.”

Despite the backlash, Ex-Robots is no stranger to the world of robotics. The company has been developing humanoid robots that, while less convincing than the cosplayers, can mimic human facial expressions and interact with their environment. In a June interview, Ex-Robots CEO Li Boyang highlighted the company’s progress, revealing that their latest model was “multi-modal and capable of emotional expression.” Still, this revelation begs the question: why would a company so committed to advancing robotics resort to such an outdated marketing tactic?

A Puzzling Marketing Move

The decision to hire human cosplayers for the World Robot Conference has left many scratching their heads. Was this simply a case of employing “booth babes,” a marketing strategy that has increasingly been criticized for its sexist undertones? Or was this an intentional attempt to deceive attendees and viewers into believing they were seeing something revolutionary?

Given the reaction on social media, it seems the strategy was a blend of both. The video footage certainly generated buzz, but it also raised questions about the ethics of such promotional tactics. The fine line between creating a memorable marketing experience and deceiving your audience was clearly blurred in this instance.

The Future of Robotics or Mere Showmanship?

As robotics technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods used to promote it. While Ex-Robots’ use of human cosplayers may have grabbed headlines, it has also sparked a debate about authenticity and transparency in the industry. At a time when consumers are increasingly savvy and skeptical, such tactics could ultimately do more harm than good.

In the end, this incident at the World Robot Conference serves as a reminder that, no matter how convincing the facade, the truth will eventually come to light. As the saying goes, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. The next time a robot takes the stage, it might be wise to look a little closer before being swept away by the illusion.