China’s “Ultra-Realistic” Humanoid Robots On The Runway But Internet Says They Look More Like Zombies

First, China's humanoid robots were spotted patrolling the streets as “police officers”. Now, they're strutting down the runway.

Chinese robotics company UBTECH has unveiled what it calls the world's first mass-produced, full-size "ultra-bionic" humanoid robots.

The life-sized androids recently shared the stage with human models at the company's global launch event in Shenzhen.

But instead of wowing the internet, they ended up getting roasted online.

According to the company, the robots feature realistic facial expressions, human-like movements and silicone skin designed to mimic the feel of real human skin. They also come in male and female versions, with customisable faces, hairstyles and makeup.

Well... the internet wasn't buying it.

Comments flooded social media, with some calling them "walking mannequins", while others joked that they looked like "aesthetic zombies".

One particularly savage comment read: "Ultra-realistic? Are they in the room with us?"

Honestly, it's not hard to see why. Between their awkward gait and eerily polished faces, they looked like anime characters who hadn't quite finished rendering. A little WD-40 at the joints probably wouldn't have hurt either.

Another wondered if fashion models should start worrying about their jobs, while someone else asked: "What nonsense — are we making clothes for humans or robots?"

Despite the runway appearance, UBTECH says the robots are actually designed for commercial settings such as brand launches, exhibitions, museums, hotels and tourist attractions, where they can greet and interact with visitors.

And they don't come cheap. The top-end model, which can walk, dance and perform on stage, costs up to 990K yuan (about S$179K).

The company says it has already received more than 13,000 orders, with deliveries expected to begin in September.

As for replacing human runway models? Judging by the comments, it looks like they won't be taking over the catwalk anytime soon