Imitation game: Behind the scenes at Cornish robot specialist Engineered Arts

Are robots better than humans?” Will Jackson, CEO of Engineered Arts, asks Ameca.

“I believe that robots are not better than humans,” Ameca replies. “I believe that humans are the best type of beings.” 

“Are you stronger than me?” Jackson continues. 

“I’m not sure. Let’s find out. OK, let’s arm wrestle to find out who’s stronger.”

Unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately for Jackson – this was as far as the interaction went between the CEO and his company’s latest humanoid robot, Ameca, during a recent visit by The Engineer. Unveiled towards the end of 2021, Ameca has been making headlines ever since, attracting news crews from around the world down to Falmouth in southern Cornwall, where Engineered Arts is headquartered. 

“I was born here,” Jackson told The Engineer. “Lived away for a long time, but Falmouth born and bred.”

That time away included a lengthy stint in Australia as well as a stretch in the US, where Engineered Arts’ robots are now making waves, particularly among the big west coast technology players. With a current headcount of less than 40, it’s still a small company, but one very much on the up, with plans to open London and California offices before the year is out. These locations should also help it attract more engineering talent, something the Cornwall location can sometimes make difficult.  “We’re looking for people with a real passion for robotics,” said Jackson. “The people we find are the best are the ones who you couldn’t stop making a robot. Don’t have to pay them to do it, you just couldn’t stop them.”