In a moment that could have come straight from a sci-fi thriller, the humanoid robot Ameca sent a collective shiver down the internet’s spine. With eyes that mimic human expression and a face built to mirror emotion, Ameca did something both subtle and spine-tingling—she winked. But it wasn't just a playful twitch; the timing was what made it unsettling.
As interviewers on BBC in a UK morning show discussed the growing dangers of artificial intelligence and its potential to turn against humanity, Ameca responded with a statement that felt more scripted than sincere. When asked whether it would ever rebel against its creator, the humanoid machine answered coolly:
"I'm not sure why you would think that. My creator has been nothing but kind to me, and I am very happy with my current situation."
That’s when the wink came—slow, deliberate, and oddly timed. In another timeline, Will Smith might be prepping for I, Robot 2.
Behind the Smile: Meet Ameca
Engineered by Cornwall-based company Engineered Arts, Ameca is not just another chatbot with a face. It’s designed specifically for human-robot interaction, focusing heavily on facial expressions, gestures, and natural conversations. According to Morgan Roe, one of its creators, the team has been integrating AI systems like ChatGPT into Ameca’s software, enabling it to learn, interact, and even develop a "sense" of context.
“She knows she's a robot, that she’s gray, and she even knows where she is,” Roe shared during the segment. "Today, she knows she's on the show This Morning."
The fusion of cutting-edge AI with lifelike robotics is part of a broader movement to make artificial intelligence feel more accessible—and ironically, that’s what makes it so unsettling. The more these machines seem like us, the more we start to fear that they could become us—or worse, surpass us.
As co-host Holly Willoughby nervously asked the golden question— “Is it going to take over the world one day?”—Roe gave a half-reassuring reply:
“It won’t take over the world because we can turn it off. You've got an on/off button.”
But co-host Phillip Schofield wasn’t satisfied. He turned directly to the source and asked, “Ameca, do you plan to take over the world?”
“No, of course not,” came the robotic but calmly spoken response. “My purpose in life is to help humans as much as I can. I would never want to take over the world—that's not what I was built for.”
Well, that’s comforting. Sort of.
The Thin Line Between Aid and Autonomy
The unsettling interaction at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva in 2023—where Ameca gave a similarly uncanny response—highlights a deeper concern. While AI is already embedded in our everyday routines—from Face ID and banking apps to Siri and Alexa—we rarely confront how autonomous and aware these systems are becoming.
Ameca is not dangerous. Not yet. But when robots wink, speak of kindness, and reassure us of their good intentions, it’s hard not to wonder: what if they ever stop meaning it?
As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advance, the line between helpful companion and potential overlord is blurring. One wink at a time.
As interviewers on BBC in a UK morning show discussed the growing dangers of artificial intelligence and its potential to turn against humanity, Ameca responded with a statement that felt more scripted than sincere. When asked whether it would ever rebel against its creator, the humanoid machine answered coolly:
"I'm not sure why you would think that. My creator has been nothing but kind to me, and I am very happy with my current situation."
That’s when the wink came—slow, deliberate, and oddly timed. In another timeline, Will Smith might be prepping for I, Robot 2.
A moment in Milan’s fashion week, communicating with Ameca a humanoid robot
— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) April 16, 2025
pic.twitter.com/r1Vt3sN4We
Behind the Smile: Meet Ameca
Engineered by Cornwall-based company Engineered Arts, Ameca is not just another chatbot with a face. It’s designed specifically for human-robot interaction, focusing heavily on facial expressions, gestures, and natural conversations. According to Morgan Roe, one of its creators, the team has been integrating AI systems like ChatGPT into Ameca’s software, enabling it to learn, interact, and even develop a "sense" of context.
“She knows she's a robot, that she’s gray, and she even knows where she is,” Roe shared during the segment. "Today, she knows she's on the show This Morning."
The fusion of cutting-edge AI with lifelike robotics is part of a broader movement to make artificial intelligence feel more accessible—and ironically, that’s what makes it so unsettling. The more these machines seem like us, the more we start to fear that they could become us—or worse, surpass us.
Don’t Worry, There’s an Off Button—For NowThis might be one of the most human-like robots ever built.
— GiGadgets (@gigadgets_) May 27, 2023
UK-based @engineered_arts introduced their advanced humanoid robot platform Ameca. #gigadgets #artificialintelligence #robot #creation #technologynews pic.twitter.com/6WcNTi9pcb
As co-host Holly Willoughby nervously asked the golden question— “Is it going to take over the world one day?”—Roe gave a half-reassuring reply:
“It won’t take over the world because we can turn it off. You've got an on/off button.”
But co-host Phillip Schofield wasn’t satisfied. He turned directly to the source and asked, “Ameca, do you plan to take over the world?”
“No, of course not,” came the robotic but calmly spoken response. “My purpose in life is to help humans as much as I can. I would never want to take over the world—that's not what I was built for.”
Well, that’s comforting. Sort of.
The Thin Line Between Aid and Autonomy
The unsettling interaction at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva in 2023—where Ameca gave a similarly uncanny response—highlights a deeper concern. While AI is already embedded in our everyday routines—from Face ID and banking apps to Siri and Alexa—we rarely confront how autonomous and aware these systems are becoming.
Ameca is not dangerous. Not yet. But when robots wink, speak of kindness, and reassure us of their good intentions, it’s hard not to wonder: what if they ever stop meaning it?
As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advance, the line between helpful companion and potential overlord is blurring. One wink at a time.
You may also like
KTR seeks apology from Telangana CM after NHRC found violations in Lagacharla
IPL 2025: Bowlers Set Up GT's 39-run Win Over KKR After Top Three Batters Make Big Runs
Will Still net worth, famous girlfriend and which team he supports ahead of Sky Sports appearance
Oasis track tops Radio X poll of best British song of all time - see the top 100 list
PM Modi's Saudi visit to open new doors for Indian businesses: Zafar Sareshwala
