Can you trademark your own appearance? Scarlett Johansson might want to look into that.
That’s because Ricky Ma, a 42-year-old designer and self-taught engineer based in Hong Kong, has built a humanoid robot that eerily resembles the Avengers actress.
The robot, named ‘Mark 1’, is made form 3D-printed lifelike silicone skin and more than 30 individual moving parts. In all, it cost $50,000 (£35,000) to create.
Ma has said that he modelled the machine based on a Hollywood star’s appearance, but refused to confirm that it was indeed Johansson. But the resemblance is undeniable.
In order to create his dream girl, Ma had to learn a new set of skills, from electromechanics to computer programming. The result is uncanny and, in his humble opinion, well worth it.
He told Reuters:
“During this process, a lot of people would say things like, ‘Are you stupid? This takes a lot of money. Do you even know how to do it? It’s really hard. I figured I should just do it when the timing is right and realise my dream. If I realise my dream, I will have no regrets in life.”
The robot is also programmed with some vocal responses, and can also wink and move its limbs.
You have to wonder what ScarJo would make of ScarRo?
