Chinese robotics company UBTech Robotics has launched a new line of highly realistic humanoid robots designed for companionship and emotional support.

The robots use an AI system that can recognize over 20 human emotions with more than 90% accuracy and respond in real time.

They come in male and female versions, with prices ranging from about 119,800 yuan to nearly 990,000 yuan depending on realism and features.

UBTech says it has already received over 13,000 orders and expects strong demand as the market for humanoid companions grows rapidly in the coming decade, Reuters has reported.

The launch has sparked public debate in China about “AI companions” and the rise of emotionally interactive robots.