Expensive robot

Trinity stood beside Alex and addressed them, "Now, let me introduce you to our robots. First and foremost, our robots' standout feature is their 100% lifelike simulation, meaning they are indistinguishable from humans in appearance. Alex here is made using the most advanced simulation materials available, with a tactile sensation that closely mimics human skin.

Their skin feels just like a real person's—smooth and warm, as if every inch radiates with the warmth of life. When you shake hands with them, you can feel their slight warmth, as if interacting with a real human being. They also possess sophisticated emotional expression capabilities. Their facial expressions, eye movements, and subtle gestures convey genuine emotions and intentions. Whether it's a smile, a frown, or a blink, each movement seems inspired by the deepest human emotions.

Furthermore, all our simulated robots are seamlessly integrated and free of glitches that could distort their realism. In the past, robots were cold and impersonal; no matter how realistic the materials, they felt chillingly cold in winter, almost ghostly. Now, our technology in creating simulated robots has made significant strides. Designers have embedded neurosimulation and thermosensitive components beneath the robot's skin, enabling them to sense temperature changes and adjust accordingly. They can even feel your touch!" Trinity paused, trying to convey warmth and pride in her expression.

In terms of intelligence, these robots are equally impressive. They are equipped with advanced speech recognition and natural language processing systems, capable of engaging in fluent conversations with humans. They gradually learn and adapt to the speaker's accent and manner of speech during interactions. They can comprehend complex instructions and contexts, responding logically like qualified companions and assistants in real life. Through continuous interaction and experience accumulation, they enhance their skills and intelligence levels.

Then she let the two listeners personally experience it, touching and feeling Alex all over, testing the robot thoroughly.

Alex looked at them with a gentle smile.

Trinity then went on to explain more details to them. Alex's eyes, mouth, tongue, nails, bones, muscles... and so on.

"Regarding the appearance of the robot, our company currently offers 100 templates each for male and female forms, all of them attractive. If you're not satisfied with these templates, you can also DIY design your own. Because each DIY appearance is unique and requires special production, it cannot be mass-produced on assembly lines, so the cost for DIY will be higher."

"As for the internal processors, we utilize bio-analog components, which have increased computing and response speeds at least ten million times compared to the old crystal components. Additionally, they support wireless expansion and upgrade systems."

"Currently, the robot is equipped with five non-battery charging systems:"

"High-efficiency solar charging panels: The robot's surface is covered with advanced solar charging panels, capable of automatically charging outdoors or in bright environments. This system converts solar energy into electricity, significantly extending the robot's operating time."

"Magnetic induction wireless charging technology: Specially designed charging stations can charge the robot through magnetic field induction without physical contact. This technology is very convenient; the robot simply needs to approach the charging device to start charging automatically."

"Bioenergy converter: Modeled after biological organisms, the robot is implanted with converters that can convert energy from biological sources into electricity. This system can extract energy from food consumed by the robot or from chemical energy within biological organisms, thereby providing long-term continuous power to the robot."

"Motion kinetic energy recovery device: The robot recovers and converts kinetic energy generated by its own movement into electricity, similar to modern vehicle regenerative braking systems. This method is particularly suitable for robots that require frequent movement, such as home assistants or warehouse management robots."

"Aerodynamic charger: As the robot moves, it utilizes a specially designed aerodynamic structure on its surface to collect and utilize kinetic energy from airflow, converting it into electricity."

"Regarding the power system, all robots are equipped with battery-driven technology. Currently, our robots offer two types of batteries. One is the traditional graphene rechargeable battery, known for its affordability. It takes 3 hours for a full charge, which can sustain normal operations for 3 days. The other battery utilizes the latest nuclear fusion technology, commonly referred to as hydrogen batteries. Hydrogen batteries are green, lightweight, and pollution-free, allowing for recyclable use. A standard hydrogen battery can power a robot for approximately ten years, and when depleted, fuel can be refilled at the manufacturer at no cost... The downside is its relatively high cost."

"Calling it 'relatively high' is quite modest, haha. The price of a standard robot hydrogen battery is nearly equivalent to that of a high-end robot itself."

As the two girls grew increasingly interested, Trinity gained confidence, speaking passionately and answering every question posed.

At this moment, Sophie approached, whispering in Trinity's ear, "You forgot to mention one thing."

"What?"

"Genitals."

Trinity blushed deeply.

She wanted to explain but couldn't bring herself to say it...

Sophie gave her a stern look and shook her head.

Lily asked Trinity, "How much does a robot like Alex cost?"

"If you choose from our template library, a robot costs only 2.2 million. It comes with an embedded graphene battery. If you place an order today, we also offer a small gift."

"What about DIY?"

"2.7 million."

"Do we have to buy the hydrogen battery separately?"

"Yes."

"How much is one hydrogen battery?"

"2 million."

"Wow, so expensive!"

"Don't worry, you can finance it!"

The high prices seemed to scare Lily and Mia away. They took Trinity's business card and quickly left without asking any more questions.

After leaving, Lily and Mia searched online for information about high-end realistic robots. The information they found indicated that all current realistic robots were only capable of static realism and could not achieve dynamic realism. In other words, when a robot is stationary, you might not be able to tell if it's human or not, but as soon as it starts moving, its true nature becomes obvious.

Why is this? Because despite the pervasiveness of artificial intelligence in daily life, achieving intelligence that truly mimics human activity is still very difficult with today's technology. The fundamental issue is that all current intelligence is based on computer intelligence, which can only mechanically learn existing knowledge. It cannot think and act like a human, lacks logical reasoning, and has no emotions.

After reading this information, Mia patted her chest and said, "So that's it. I knew something felt off. The so-called full realism is just a gimmick. No real human walks like that!"

"Exactly, exactly. Luckily, we stayed clear-headed," Lily said hurriedly. "But it doesn't matter anyway. Even if we wanted to buy one, we couldn't afford it!"

"True, hahaha."

Seeing the girls leave in such a hurry, Trinity knew they wouldn't be coming back. She complained to Sophie, "Our robots are really expensive! Can't we lower the prices a bit? Otherwise, we'll never sell any."

"There's no way around it. The manufacturing costs are just that high. Knock-offs are cheap, DIY models under 1 million, without the hydrogen battery," Sophie said, glancing again at the LCD screen on the wall. Looking at the date, she told Trinity, "Trinity, your probation period ends in just two days."

"I know..."

"Our requirements for the probation period aren't high. You just need to sell one robot to become a permanent employee. But you've been here for three months and haven't sold a single robot."

Trinity looked dejected. "Sophie, thank you for taking care of me all this time. I might have to go back to collecting basic welfare benefits."

"Don't give up yet. You still have two days."

Trinity shook her head. She had already lost hope.

Suddenly, Sophie smiled and said, "Trinity, do you know how I passed my probation period?"

"Hmm? How many robots did you sell, Sophie?"

"Just one."

"Wow, you were really lucky."

"I sold it to myself."