A humanoid robot capable of walking with 92% accuracy in mimicking human posture has drawn significant attention after its debut in China. The robot, named Moya, is being described by its developer as the world’s first biomimetic AI robot with fully embodied intelligence.
Built by robotics company DroidUp, Moya was unveiled in Shanghai and designed with proportions similar to an average adult, standing 1.65 meters (5.5 feet) tall and weighing about 32 kilograms (70 pounds).
Its movement, eye contact, and subtle facial expressions closely resemble those of a human, sparking widespread interest on Chinese social media platforms.
Advanced AI design and natural movement capabilities
The robot operates on the principle of embodied artificial intelligence, a system where machines perceive, process, and act within the physical world rather than staying confined to digital environments.
DroidUp stated that Moya’s walking pattern reflects 92 percent accuracy, offering a stable and natural gait. According to the company, this focus on realism aims to make interactions feel more human, further supported by the robot’s ability to maintain a body temperature between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius (89.6 to 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
World’s first ‘biomimetic AI robot’ Moya debuts with 92% human-like walking accuracy
Not industrial. Not cartoonish. Moya sits in that uneasy middle ground where robots start feeling too real.
A humanoid robot that walks, maintains eye contact, and displays subtle facial… pic.twitter.com/K3aw6ursZJ
— Deborah (@Deborah07849071) February 4, 2026
Footage published by the South China Morning Post shows Moya smiling, nodding, and walking with fluid motion, with the report adding that the robot can replicate micro-expressions, often seen as crucial to realistic human behavior.
Some viewers on Chinese platforms found Moya’s lifelike traits fascinating, while others were unsettled, pointing to the uncanny valley effect—a phenomenon where near-human robots evoke discomfort.
Technical foundation behind the world’s first biomimetic AI robot
DroidUp has provided limited technical details on the robot’s platform. However, RoboHorizon reports that Moya is built on what is described as a “Walker 3” chassis. The term has caused some confusion due to its similarity with UBTECH’s Walker series, though neither company has acknowledged any formal link between their technologies.
Moya’s design includes a modular exterior, allowing for changes in appearance without altering the mechanical structure. The approach positions DroidUp among a smaller group of companies pursuing ultra-realistic humanoid robots, as many others in the field lean toward stylized or mechanical designs to avoid human comparisons.
While not marketed solely for home use, Moya is expected to serve in sectors like healthcare, education, and commercial services. DroidUp told SCMP that the robot is intended for environments where extended human-robot interaction is central.
Moya is scheduled to enter the market by late 2026 with a projected starting price of about $7,650 (1.2 million Japanese yen). Final pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.
