From lab to fashion show, AI robots are now catwalking alongside humans
It seems supermodels may have some new competition from AI. A Seoul fashion show put humanoid robots on the catwalk alongside human models, offering a glimpse of a future where machines may need wardrobes of their own.
Humans seem determined to make robots more like themselves. First, we taught them to walk, talk and work alongside us. Then we started putting them to work in factories and warehouses. More recently, we've even seen them in Buddhist temples, praying alongside monks. Now, it seems, we want them to love fashion too.
After all, if robots are going to become part of everyday life, why shouldn't they have their own wardrobes? That's exactly the idea a Seoul fashion show explored this week, where humanoid robots strutted down the catwalk alongside human models in coordinated outfits, showcasing what fashion in a human-and-robot future might look like.
The show was organised by Galaxy Corporation, which used the event to imagine a future where humans and robots coexist not just in workplaces, but in everyday life. And apparently, that future includes matching outfits, designer clothes and coordinated fashion statements.
The robots weren't standing in the background as props. Instead, they walked alongside human models wearing coordinated looks, moving in sync as they made their way down the runway. One robot sported a blue cowboy-inspired outfit complete with a hat, while its human counterpart wore a matching ensemble. Other looks included shiny silver jackets, flowing dresses and oversized futuristic trousers. Space-age designs and dramatic silhouettes added to the spectacle, giving the event a distinctly futuristic feel.
According to Galaxy Corporation, the fashion show was built around a simple question: if robots are eventually going to become part of everyday life, shouldn't they have their own fashion too?
Chief executive Choi Yong-ho said the company believes robots, much like humans, should have their own identity and personality.
"We realised that robots, too, need to wear clothes," Choi said during the event. He added that just as every person is unique, every robot should also be distinct. According to Reuters, the company even suggested that in the future, humans may take inspiration from fashions worn by robots, while robots could adopt styles created for people.
It might sound unusual today, but Galaxy believes there could come a time when fashion trends flow both ways. The clothing shown at the event was designed specifically for the robots' skeletal frames, and the company says it hopes to launch the collection later this year under the brand name MACH33.
As for the models themselves, the robots appeared to be humanoids made by Chinese robotics company Unitree. While they still rely heavily on pre-programmed movements, they looked surprisingly comfortable sharing the spotlight with human models. Videos from the event showed them taking part in synchronised choreography and timed movements rather than simply standing still for photographs.
The fashion show is also part of Galaxy Corporation's broader push to bring robots into mainstream entertainment. The company earlier opened Galaxy Robot Park in Seoul, which it describes as the world's first robot theme park. Visitors can watch robot performances, interact with robotic dogs and even take part in robot boxing matches.
In fact, South Korea is increasingly becoming a showcase for humanoid robots in public life. Earlier this month, a humanoid robot named Gabi took part in a Buddhist ordination ceremony in Seoul, greeting visitors and even pledging to devote itself to Buddhism during the ceremony.
Humans seem determined to make robots more like themselves. First, we taught them to walk, talk and work alongside us. Then we started putting them to work in factories and warehouses. More recently, we've even seen them in Buddhist temples, praying alongside monks. Now, it seems, we want them to love fashion too.
After all, if robots are going to become part of everyday life, why shouldn't they have their own wardrobes? That's exactly the idea a Seoul fashion show explored this week, where humanoid robots strutted down the catwalk alongside human models in coordinated outfits, showcasing what fashion in a human-and-robot future might look like.
The show was organised by Galaxy Corporation, which used the event to imagine a future where humans and robots coexist not just in workplaces, but in everyday life. And apparently, that future includes matching outfits, designer clothes and coordinated fashion statements.
The robots weren't standing in the background as props. Instead, they walked alongside human models wearing coordinated looks, moving in sync as they made their way down the runway. One robot sported a blue cowboy-inspired outfit complete with a hat, while its human counterpart wore a matching ensemble. Other looks included shiny silver jackets, flowing dresses and oversized futuristic trousers. Space-age designs and dramatic silhouettes added to the spectacle, giving the event a distinctly futuristic feel.
According to Galaxy Corporation, the fashion show was built around a simple question: if robots are eventually going to become part of everyday life, shouldn't they have their own fashion too?
Chief executive Choi Yong-ho said the company believes robots, much like humans, should have their own identity and personality.
"We realised that robots, too, need to wear clothes," Choi said during the event. He added that just as every person is unique, every robot should also be distinct. According to Reuters, the company even suggested that in the future, humans may take inspiration from fashions worn by robots, while robots could adopt styles created for people.
It might sound unusual today, but Galaxy believes there could come a time when fashion trends flow both ways. The clothing shown at the event was designed specifically for the robots' skeletal frames, and the company says it hopes to launch the collection later this year under the brand name MACH33.
As for the models themselves, the robots appeared to be humanoids made by Chinese robotics company Unitree. While they still rely heavily on pre-programmed movements, they looked surprisingly comfortable sharing the spotlight with human models. Videos from the event showed them taking part in synchronised choreography and timed movements rather than simply standing still for photographs.
The fashion show is also part of Galaxy Corporation's broader push to bring robots into mainstream entertainment. The company earlier opened Galaxy Robot Park in Seoul, which it describes as the world's first robot theme park. Visitors can watch robot performances, interact with robotic dogs and even take part in robot boxing matches.
In fact, South Korea is increasingly becoming a showcase for humanoid robots in public life. Earlier this month, a humanoid robot named Gabi took part in a Buddhist ordination ceremony in Seoul, greeting visitors and even pledging to devote itself to Buddhism during the ceremony.
