Source: PromobotA Russian startup is preparing to mass produce autonomous robot clones inspired by real people.

Russia-based Promobot is the maker of the “Robo-C,” an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven humanoid robot that can mimic the appearance, facial expressions and gestures of an actual person. With realistic artificial skin and moving eyes, lips and eyebrows, the clones are capable of mimicking up to roughly 600 different facial expressions. Likewise, the clone robots can engage in conversation and answer questions in much the same fashion as the original person who inspired the humanoid's design.

Although not yet capable of mobility, the robot clones can move their necks and their torsos. They can also operate in both professional and personal settings. Its developers envision that the humanoids, once perfected, will take over human tasks in the workplace in industries such as education, customer service and entertainment to name just a few. Additionally, the humanoids may fill a void in the lives of those in search of a companion or a caregiver.

Currently, there are four Robo-Cs already in development — one designed to work within the government, scanning passports, another operating as an Albert Einstein clone for a robotics exhibition and the third and fourth as clones of a customer’s parents.

Adoption of humanoid robots both in the home and workplace is becoming more and more widespread. Earlier this year, Promobot debuted a realistic robot news anchor to deliver news on a Russian state news channel. Meanwhile, similar robots are being used to assist with elder care and security.