Engineer builds lifelike robot based on mystery Hollywood actress

An engineer has realised a childhood dream after he unveiled a hand built female robot based on a Hollywood starlet.

Ricky Ma, 42, from Hong Kong, spent 18 months building the lifelike robot, known as Mark 1, on his balcony.

The prototype, which was made wearing a set of heels, is based on a Hollywood actress but Mr Ma declined to reveal who his inspiration was although reports suggest it bears resemblance to Scarlett Johansson.

Mark 1 is able to communicate but can only speak through programmed verbal commands that are spoken into a microphone.

The majority of the body, about 70 per cent, was made using 3D printing including the skeleton under the silicon skin.

It cost him £35,000 to create.

Mr Ma said he was looking for an investor to buy the prototype so he could start building more robots.