Overview

The Protoclone is a musculoskeletal android developed by Clone Robotics, a company based in Poland. It follows an entirely different approach than conventional hard-shell humanoids, replicating the human body with artificial bones, ligaments, and muscles.

Construction

Instead of rigid metal limbs, the Protoclone features a polymer skeleton covered by more than a thousand artificial muscle fibers and synthetic ligaments. This results in more than 200 degrees of freedom and highly lifelike, human-like movements. The body is deliberately kept without skin, making the artificial musculature visible.

Technology and AI

The artificial muscles are actuated via a hydraulic system. Clone Robotics first made a name for itself with a particularly human-like robotic hand and is now transferring this principle to the entire body.

Market Significance

The Protoclone is currently a prototype and trailblazer for the planned production android Clone Alpha. The concept is considered unusual because it prioritizes a faithful replication of human locomotion rather than maximum technical robustness.