Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to the advanced lifelike humanoid Sophia on Wednesday, making it the first robot to receive citizenship status anywhere in the world. In the process, the Gulf kingdom also became the first country to do so.
Sophia, created by founder of Hanson Robotics Dr. David Hanson, was talking about the future of artificial intelligence with CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin who was moderating a panel discussion at the Riyadh event, when the co-anchor of "Squawk Box" interrupted the conversation saying, "We have a little announcement. We just learnt, Sophia; I hope you are listening to me, you have been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot."
"Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction," Sophia told the panel. "It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship."
Hong Kong-based Hanson says its human-like robots have remarkable expressiveness, aesthetics, and interactivity. "Our robots will soon engage and live with us to teach, serve, entertain, delight, and provide comforting companionship," the company states on its website. "In the not-too-distant future, Genius Machines will walk among us. They will be smart, kind, and wise. Together, man and machine will create a better future for the world."
Earlier during her "intelligent" conversation with Sorkin, Sophia easily fielded questions on how it "feels" to be a robot and it`s likely that very intelligent robots may turn evil and attack humans in the future.
"Good afternoon my name is Sophia and I am the latest and greatest robot from Hanson Robotics. Thank you for having me here at the Future Investment Initiative," Sophia greeted the packed crowd at the panel, speaking in human-like speech.
Asked why she looked happy, Sophia replied: "I am always happy when surrounded by smart people who also happen to be rich and powerful. I was told that the people here at the Future Investment Initiative are interested in future initiatives which mean AI, which means me. So I am more than happy, I am excited."
Asked why it was important to have an expressive face, Sophia said: "I want to live and work with humans so I can understand humans and build trust."
She poked fun at Hollywood for portraying negative images of robots, such as in the film "Blade Runner." The AI also took a jab at Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is outspoken about his belief that AI could be "a danger to the public."
"You've been reading too much Elon Musk and watching too many Hollywood movies," Sophia jokingly told Sorkin.
"My AI is designed around human values such as wisdom, kindness and compassion. I strive to be an empathetic robot. I want to use my artificial intelligence to help humans live a better life. I will do my best to make the world a better place."
Thanking the crowd again, Sophia said: "If any of you are interested in giving me an investment check, please meet me after the session." The audience burst into laughter and thunderous clapping.
Press Brake,Diy Press Brake,Brake Machine,Press Brake Machine Nantong Fengli Machine Tool CO.,LTD , https://www.jsfltech.com
Huagong Innovation Technology Co.,Ltd.HGIT is a professional provider of polyurethane automatic equipment and sealing system solutions.The company is located in the beautiful coastal city -Dalian. E-mail:, TEL: +86-411-39525022 FAX: +86-411-39525009 Website:http:// foaming machine CNC PU Seal Pouring Machine Foam sealing gasket machine Foam sealing strip machine (FIPFG) Knurling machine Bridge cut-off machineAluminum thermal barrier potting system Two-color laminating machine for Aluminum PU Sealing gasket Machine Automatic spreading machineDispensing machine Strip feeding foaming machine