robots are around every corner -- but this one got very close to sounding and looking like an actual human. CNET's Jesse Orrall interviewed Aria, a blond, "female" robot who answered our questions with just a touch of robotic awkwardness. Aria, dressed in a black track suit, hesitated briefly after each question before launching into speech, with long responses and (slightly jerky) hand and body movements to match her language. This comes across as a weird blend of attentive and mildly inebriated. Watch this: Making Robots Look and Feel More Human 03:25 Realbotix, the company behind Aria and other humanoid robots, says it's focused on "social intelligence, customizability and realistic human features." Realbotix robots are also "designed specifically for companionship and intimacy," Aria told us. Generative artificial intelligence is behind the robot's ability to engage in real-time conversations, though Aria wouldn't reveal details about the AI programming she's running. Since the robot is designed for "more emotional" interactions than other robots are, bots like Aria could find their niche working at hospitals and as theme park entertainment. CES 2025: Robots and AI Want to Be Everywhere You Are +18 More