Photo Credit: Shanghai Eye / YouTube
A Chinese robotics startup is pushing the boundaries of lifelike machines with a new humanoid robot designed to look and feel almost human. Shanghai-based DroidUp recently unveiled its latest creation, Moya, a “fully biometric” robot built to mimic human appearance, movement, and even body temperature.
Chinese company unveils $173K humanoid robot
Moya stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs roughly 70 pounds. The robot features advanced facial expressions and fluid movements, giving it a strikingly realistic presence. Users can customize the robot’s appearance by swapping parts to create a male or female build. They can also adjust hairstyles and other features.To enhance the lifelike feel, DroidUp added layers of flesh-like padding beneath Moya’s silicone exterior, even including a ribcage structure. A camera placed behind the robot’s eyes allows it to track its surroundings and communicate with people in real time.
One of Moya’s most unusual features is its built-in heating system. The robot maintains a body temperature between 90 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit, closely matching that of a human. According to founder Li Quingdu, the goal is to create machines that feel warm and approachable rather than cold and mechanical.
DroidUp plans to market Moya to healthcare companies as a social companion. The robot carries a projected price tag of about $173,000 and is expected to go on sale in late 2026.
Moya is the latest viral innovation from China’s growing robotics industry. In 2025, another Shanghai-based company made headlines when its humanoid robot completed a 100-kilometer walk without assistance, highlighting the rapid progress in the field.
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