The uncanny valley is a concept describing the discomfort people feel when robots or digital characters look almost human but not quite realistic. As a design becomes more human-like, emotional acceptance increases until small imperfections cause a sudden sense of unease. This effect is especially noticeable in humanoid robots, animated characters, and AI-generated faces. The uncanny valley highlights the challenge of balancing realism and abstraction in human-like design. Designers and engineers consider this concept carefully when creating robots and virtual agents meant to interact with people.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared humanoid robots “very very close” to industrial deployment as he and Hyundai Executive Chair Chung Euisun detailed plans to expand their physical AI and robotics partnership, with Huang also committing to join Hyundai’s $5.9 billion South Korean AI Valley initiative.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced a dedicated robotics division tasked with developing hardware, controls, and machine learning for humanoid robots, starting with skilled labor on infrastructure projects and scaling toward a personal robot for everyone.
Computex Taipei has introduced a dedicated AI robotics section for the first time at its 2026 edition, with exhibitors including E Ink, Hiwin Technologies, and Intel showcasing physical AI hardware, robotic arms, and edge computing platforms across a four-day program at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.