Uhh, guys, is a beauty contest between two androids really necessary?
Remember Asuna and Junco Chihara, two entries in Japan’s race to create the most hyperreal android ever? Despite their lifelike appearances compared to many other robots out there, some people still aren’t able to get past the “uncanny valley” phenomenon as a result of their unnatural facial movements.
Enter Jia Jia (佳佳), an android whose facial features were specifically arranged to represent a classical Chinese beauty. Developed by a team of researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China in Heifei, China over a period of three years, she is able to interact with people, reads people’s facial expressions, and is, apparently, quite adept at giving compliments (or shameless flattery, depending how you see it):
Jia Jia recently made an appearance in Chinese-style dress at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, held from June 26-28 in Tianjin, China. She appeared alongside Toshiba’s Aiko Chihara (地平アイこ), who is the “older sister android” of the aforementioned Junco. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for the internet masses to begin comparing Jia Jia with her Japanese counterpart in the looks department:
▼ Jia Jia
▼ Aiko
Overall, online commenters tended to declare Jia Jia the more beautiful of the two; however, unlike Jia Jia, Aiko is able to change her facial expressions to mirror human emotions to a greater degree. With 43 pneumatic actuators built into her design, Aiko is also capable of a greater number of body movements. It seems like a classic scenario of “beauty vs. brains,” if you ask us!
Check out this short snippet from the Summer Davos Forum for a glimpse at both Jia Jia and Aiko in action:
Regardless of which non-sentient being ultimately “wins” the contest, we’re looking forward to seeing Jia Jia and Aiko showcase their skills at future conventions and other forums.
Source: China Internet Information Center via Kinisoku
Images: YouTube/otoWow!
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
With hot sweaty Shibuya summer on the way, free sodium tablets to be given out in downtown Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Japan Post’s mail carriers are getting some cool upgrades, but packages might be a little late
Video of man spraying liquid on conveyor belt sushi leads to arrest in Japan
Japan’s sticker wars are reaching a breaking point, even for enthusiasts
Japanese convenience store challenge is only for those with extreme tastes
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink