Moya Robot Redefines Humanoid Interaction with Warm Skin Technology

Daily Technology

13/02/2026

Shanghai-based startup DroidUP has unveiled Moya, a humanoid service robot distinguished by a feature uncommon in robotics: warm skin. Presented at the Zhangjiang Robotics Valley, Moya is engineered to bridge the gap between machine and human by incorporating thermal properties that mimic human body temperature.

Technical Profile and Capabilities

Moya is described by its creators as a "highly bionic robot" built on the Walker 3 robot platform. Its technical specifications include cameras positioned behind the eyes, enabling it to produce a range of facial expressions. The robot's most notable feature is its skin, which maintains a temperature between 90°F and 97°F (approximately 32°C to 36°C), closely matching that of a human.

For mobility, Moya utilizes a combination of cameras and LIDAR sensors. This system allows it to navigate environments, choose its own paths, and avoid obstacles in real time. The company claims the robot achieves 92 percent human-like walking accuracy, although initial demonstrations show its gait remains somewhat stiff and mechanical. DroidUP plans to launch Moya in 2026 with a projected cost of $176,000.

The Rationale for Thermal Realism

According to DroidUP founder Li Qingdu, the decision to integrate warmth is fundamental to the robot's purpose. The company envisions Moya providing information in public venues such as train stations, museums, and shopping malls, with a future potential for daily companionship. "A robot that truly serves human life should be warm, have a temperature, almost like a living being that people can connect with," Li stated. The goal is to make human-robot interaction feel more natural and less sterile.

Industry Concerns and Ethical Questions

The introduction of a warm-skinned robot has prompted discussion among technology experts. While DroidUP sees warmth as a feature for enhanced connection, some critics view it as a step that blurs a critical line between humans and machines. Tech journalist Kurt Knutsson noted that warmth removes a clear sensory signal that distinguishes an automaton from a person, which could lead to discomfort.

Concerns extend to the potential for emotional manipulation, surveillance, and the psychological impact of interacting with machines that are increasingly indistinguishable from humans. Critics argue that functional service robots do not require human-like warmth to perform their tasks effectively. The debate centers on whether such anthropomorphic features are a beneficial advancement in user experience or an unsettling development with significant ethical implications.

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