Biomimetic breakthrough: Polish robot challenges Musk's Optimus

The first such "human" robot was created by the Wrocław-based start-up Clone Incorporated, essentially by Łukasz Koźlik, the constructor, originator, and CTO of the company. His Clone robot was built to assist with household tasks, based on the principles of biomimetics, meaning that its structure and functions are modelled on the human body. The project, developed in collaboration with an American partner, already includes a functional hand and torso, and a complete robot capable of moving and performing various tasks is expected soon. The pre-sale of Clone will happen later this year, and it will hit the market in 2026.

What makes it so innovative? In an interview with the magazine "Libertyn", the creator describes how his model stands out with its original biomimetic design. "This is a synthetic human, not a humanoid robot. A copy of the human build, down to the deepest tissue," - says Łukasz Koźlik. He adds:

Clone is the first robot in the world that replicates all human soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae, veins, and skin. Every bone, shinbone, joint socket, and muscle is copied from the human body. In its synthetic veins flows water, and a synthetic heart pumps it. It also has hydraulic muscles - Clone is powered by McKibben artificial muscles, which provide significant driving force.

Clone Hand, the robot's hand created by Koźlik, is closest to the human hand in terms of structure and functionality. It can lift weights to 30 kilograms, significantly more than other robotic hands. Meanwhile, the torso is a humanoid chest with a head, capable of moving arms, shoulders, and head with grace similar to that of a human.

Unlike robots based on electric motors and batteries, Clone uses water as a hydraulic fluid, which provides better manoeuvrability, easier control, and hassle-free maintenance. The clone's skeleton is carbon fibre, ensuring a lightweight and durable structure. Clone uses advanced control algorithms that guarantee precise work and quick response.

Clone is not manually programmed but learns through artificial intelligence. It can learn tasks by watching videos, modifying instructions, and performing them in its own way.

For what purposes can the humanoid Clone be used? The creators see several fields where it would excel. These include household tasks – Clone has the potential to revolutionise domestic help, performing tasks such as laundry, cleaning, cooking, dishwashing, carrying groceries, assembling furniture, or taking the dog for a walk. In industry, Clone can undertake simple, repetitive, or dangerous tasks in production. The robot can also assist in medicine and aid the incurably ill or in rehabilitation.

The Clone project has been recognised worldwide, and the Polish creator has received congratulations from experts in the field of robotics, such as Jim Fan from Nvidia. Clone Incorporated announces on its site that the pre-sale will start in 2025. The first 300 units will be a premium version, but the price is expected to drop to about £15,000 later. The company plans to introduce Clone to the mass market at the beginning of 2026. In the limited edition, Clone Alpha models and musculoskeletal androids will be designed for home use, along with the Telekinesis training platform, to teach them new skills.

As described by Clone Robotics on the website, it is initially installed with skills such as memorising the layout of the house and kitchen equipment, and it can also engage in witty dialogues, shake hands with your friends, pour drinks, and make sandwiches. It will also be indispensable in everyday household chores: washing, drying, folding clothes, vacuuming floors, turning lights on and off, setting the table, land oading and unloading the dishwasher. Additionally, it follows you, holds and retrieves items, charges itself, and is equipped with the Telekinesis training platform, which allows you to teach your Clone Alpha new skills.