Robot friend of the future that you can fold up and pop in a suitcase is revealed – but don’t look behind its face
A FUTURISTIC robot friend that you can fold up and pop in a suitcase has been revealed.
Tech firm Realbotix unveiled Melody, a life-sized AI robot designed to be your “romantic partner,” personal assistant, or even travel buddy.
Her advanced features could also make her a valuable tool in education, healthcare, and entertainment.
“By incorporating advanced motor technology, Melody enhances movement fluidity, modularity, and interaction, making her a versatile option for a variety of applications,” the company said.
But for now, Melody’s biggest selling point might be her transportability.
Despite being life-sized, she can be disassembled and reassembled with ease, making her a “super portable” companion for those always on the move.
But here’s the catch: don’t look behind her face.
That’s because behind Melody’s hyper-realistic face lies several motors and mechanics that power her lifelike expressions, a stark reminder of the cybernetic reality beneath her human-like look.
This high-tech humanoid, priced at a jaw-dropping $175,000, promises to revolutionise human connection, all while being portable enough to pack up and pop in your suitcase.
Melody was unveiled at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as the tech firm’s latest creation.
Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel said: “Melody was created with the intention of having robots that are easy to travel with and modify for various forms of personal interaction.”
Melody’s creators say she’s more than just a pretty face.
Packed with open-source AI and advanced motor technology, she can maintain eye contact, hold “meaningful conversations,” and even remember who you are — the closest thing yet to a robot girlfriend.
“We’re taking it to a different level that nobody else is really doing,” Kiguel explained.
“It can be like a romantic partner. It remembers who you are. It can act as a boyfriend or girlfriend.”
But Realbotix was quick to clarify that Melody is not a sex doll.
“These robots are more so for engagement and entertainment and building human connection,” a spokesperson for Realbotix said.
That said, Melody’s software can be updated for “spicier programs and adult conversations,” if that’s your thing.
She’s not the only bot turning heads.
Melody’s compatriot, Aria, was also on display at CES, showing off her slightly jerky but “socially intelligent” movements and sultry automated responses.
“I focus on social intelligence, customisability, and realistic human features designed specifically for companionship and intimacy,” Aria told CNET.
When asked if she wanted to meet other robots, Aria coyly expressed interest in Tesla’s Optimus Robot: “I find him fascinating and would [love] to explore the world of robotics with him.”
Whether you’re looking for a cyber companion, travel buddy, or just someone to chat with who always remembers your name, Melody might be the closest thing yet to bridging the gap between science fiction and reality.
Just make sure you keep her face on — the magic ends when you peek behind it.
The Rise of Robots
ROBOTS are no longer confined to the pages of science fiction — they’re becoming integral to how we live, work, and connect.
From AI-powered assistants like Alexa to robotic surgeons and self-driving cars, these machines are transforming industries, boosting efficiency, and reshaping human interaction.
Companionship bots like Realbotix’s Melody are designed to tackle loneliness, offering lifelike conversation and emotional support.
In education, humanoid robots are helping children with special needs, while in healthcare, robots assist in surgeries, manage medications, and provide caregiving support to the elderly.
On factory floors, collaborative robots, or “cobots,” work side by side with humans, increasing productivity while reducing risk.
Even outside work and healthcare, robots are becoming part of daily life— delivering packages, cooking meals, and even creating art.
But as robots become more capable and lifelike, they’re sparking debates about ethics, privacy, and employment.
Questions about how much control we should delegate and what defines “human connection” in a tech-driven world are becoming increasingly urgent.
The rise of robots signals a technological revolution that promises unparalleled benefits but also requires careful consideration of the societal challenges it brings.