20th February 2025 – (New York) Clone Robotics, a startup based in the United States and Poland, has introduced its latest creation: the Protoclone V1, a full-bodied synthetic human prototype that has captivated and unsettled audiences in equal measure. Featuring over 200 degrees of freedom, 1,000 Myofibers, and 500 sensors, the faceless android has been described by the company as anatomically accurate and represents what co-founder Dhanush Radhakrishna calls “ground zero for the age of androids.”
Unveiled in a 40-second video shared on social media platform X, the Protoclone is seen suspended in a workshop performing dynamic movements, with its face concealed behind a black, reflective mask. The video, purportedly filmed in January 2025, garnered millions of views within hours, generating widespread discussion. Reactions ranged from awe to apprehension, with Dar Sleeper, growth head at OpenAI-backed 1X Technologies, labelling the design both “cooler and creepier” than expected.
Currently powered by pneumatics, the prototype is set to transition to hydraulic systems as development progresses. The android integrates synthetic systems mimicking human skeletal, muscular, vascular, and nervous structures, setting it apart from other humanoid robots. While Clone Robotics claims it is the world’s first bipedal, musculoskeletal android, earlier examples such as Kengoro, a humanoid developed by the University of Tokyo’s JSK Lab in 2017, challenge this assertion. Kengoro, however, was designed as a research platform, while Clone’s ambitions extend to commercial applications.
The company is focused on creating anthropomorphic androids to address everyday challenges, aiming for robots capable of long-term, independent operation in complex environments. Unlike many humanoid robots that retain a machine-like aesthetic, androids typically strive for hyper-realism, simulating human features and behaviours. Clone Robotics differentiates itself further by explicitly branding its creations as synthetic humans.
Clone’s journey began in 2021, when Radhakrishna and Polish engineer Lukasz Kozlik co-founded the company. Kozlik, known for developing a lifelike robotic arm that went viral on YouTube in 2019, has long pursued the goal of mimicking human anatomy with precision. In a recent interview with Polish technology channel This Is IT, Kozlik reiterated Clone’s vision of creating robots indistinguishable from living humans, down to the deepest layers of anatomy.
Clone plans to release 279 units of its Alpha androids in 2025, likening their exclusivity to that of limited-edition supercars. While the price remains undisclosed, the company’s rapid development and provocative designs have positioned it as a leader in the race to bring lifelike androids into everyday life. Whether viewed as a technological marvel or a dystopian precursor, the Protoclone V1 has undoubtedly propelled Clone Robotics into the global spotlight.
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