Why We Are Unsettled by Robots That Look Too Realistic

In the age of artificial intelligence, there is a growing number of devices that communicate with us. We give them names like "Siri" and "Alexa" and don't find them threatening - until they are given a face.

Evolving technology can create robots that look like people, but it is also at this point where people start to object. Once you can make eye contact with a machine, it starts to look like a horror movie.

• On the extreme, a Swedish manufacturer produced robot clones of a loved one who has died. The robots can control speech, has the capacity for facial recognition and other artificial intelligence capabilities.
• During the pandemic lockdown, the supplier Silicone Lovers experienced an increase in demand for these dolls.

The dolls cost $5,000 to $10,000 plus an added charge of $3,000 to $5,000 for the printing cost, but most people won't buy one because of the unease it creates.