This is one of the prototype robot designs scientists hope will one day walk – and work – among humans.
Eve, a humanoid head covered in synthetic skin, is able to talk to people and respond with facial expressions.
She is one of several designs from scientists in Bristol and Exeter that also include a ‘fish’, a ‘robothespian’ actor that speaks 20 languages and one modelled on a child.
The robots could one day be used in the military, to perform low-level tasks such as clearing our sewers and even become our friends and companions.
Scientists believe the artificial creations could one day compete – and beat – humans in football matches.
Senior researcher Dr Loannis Leropoulos said his team at the Bristol Robotic Laboratory were inspired by nature.
‘Natural systems demonstrate perfectly that most of the difficult engineering problems have already been solved,’ he said.
‘By drawing inspiration from these living proofs we can achieve difficult task that would otherwise have been impossible.’
He added: ‘By looking at how animals in nature sustain themselves, a robot could be developed that is able to operate in hostile and lethal environments, providing a service to humankind.’