Chinese robotics firm Yanxi Technology has developed the Yansyn-X2, a humanoid robot capable of producing a tear on command. The demonstration highlights advances in affective computing, while also raising concerns about the uncanny valley and how convincingly machines should imitate human emotion.

The robot uses conversational analysis, facial mechanisms and a microfluidic system to create its emotional display, but remains a static model that can turn, track people and gesture. Its development forms part of a wider robotics push towards greater dexterity, usefulness and emotional responsiveness, alongside machines designed for household chores, airport work and athletic performance.