
The female robot prototype is called Mark 1 and is modelled after a Hollywood star.
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Graphic designer Ricky Ma has constructed a life-sized robot in his home
The female robot prototype, worth over $50,000, is called the Mark 1
It is modelled after a Hollywood star, not hard to guess who
Unlike most of the others, however, Ma has realised his childhood dream at the age of 42, by successfully constructing a life-sized robot from scratch on the balcony of his home.
The fruit of his labours of a year-and-a-half, and a budget of more than $50,000, is a female robot prototype he calls the Mark 1, modelled after a Hollywood star whose name he wants to keep under wraps (but it's really not that hard to guess). It responds to a set of programmed verbal commands spoken into a microphone.

Photo Credit: Reuters
Besides simple movements of its arms and legs, turning its head and bowing, Ma's robot, which has dark blonde hair and liquid eyes, and wears a grey skirt and cropped top, can create detailed facial expressions.

Photo Credit: Reuters

Photo Credit: Reuters

Photo Credit: 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,'" Ma said.
He adopted a trial-and-error method in which he encountered obstacles ranging from frequent burnt-out electric motors to the robot losing its balance and toppling over.

Photo Credit: Reuters
Ma, who believes the importance of robots will only grow, hopes an investor will buy his prototype, giving him the capital to build more, and wants to write a book about his experience, to help other enthusiasts.
The rise of robots and artificial intelligence are among disruptive labour market changes that the World Economic Forum projects will lead to a net loss of 5.1 million jobs over the next five years.
© Thomson Reuters 2016
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