This robot looks like Scarlett Johansson and we're not sure how to feel about it
It’s undeniable that robots are the future. But robots designed to look exactly like Scarlett Johansson? That’s something we never saw coming and we’re not sure how to feel. A Hong Kong-based designer named Ricky Ma spent $50,000 to create a talking Scarlett Johansson robot that looks eerily like the actress, Reuters reports, and it’s pretty crazy to watch.
Posted by Ricky MA Creation on Thursday, March 31, 2016
“I figured I should just do it when the timing is right and realize my dream. If I realize my dream, I will have no regrets in life,” Ricky told Reuters. We think it’s safe to say that his dream has been realized, since this robot — confusingly named Mark 1, not Scarlett — can talk, smile, and even wink in response to questions. Ricky constructed a 3D-printed skeleton, which is then wrapped in silicone skin. “When you look at everything together, it was really difficult,” Ricky admitted. However, the fruits of his labor totally paid off and how he has his very own robot that looks like Scarlett Johansson.
We’ll admit, this is an impressive use of technology . . . but we do feel a little weird about the human-like features. Something about creating a picture perfect female robot, who is pre-programmed to do things like giggle in response to compliments, and who has actual fake genitals (shudder) under her skirt and crop top, feels very objectifying. After all, the robot’s creator is completely in control of her. Mark 1 may not be a real woman, but she seems to be inspired by and programmed to do things that are real enough to make us a little uncomfortable. (And we’re guessing Scarlett Johansson is, too.)
It’s an awesome feat of design and engineering, but we would prefer that robots don’t look like actual humans we see on our TV screens.