Saudi Arabia, in a historic move, has become the first country to offer citizenship to a humanoid robot. The robot, who’s been named Sophia, was developed by Hanson Robotics, a Hong Kong-based company. The move is an attempt to promote Saudi Arabia as a place to develop artificial intelligence – while also promoting the “Vision 2030” being led by the Kingdom’s new Crown Prince.
News of the citizenship was first made public in the Future Investment Initiative conference held on Wednesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which is also where plans for Project NEOM, a $500 billion mega-city were unveiled.
“We have a little announcement. We just learned, Sophia; I hope you are listening to me, you have been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot,” said panel moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin.
Sophia addressed the room from behind a podium and responded to questions Sorkin asked. Questions pertained mostly to Sophia’s status as a humanoid and concerns people may have for the future of humanity in a robot-run world.
Sophia demonstrated her “expressive” face, and also proceeded to show the audience her angry and sad face. “I want to live and work with humans so I need to express the emotions to understand humans and build trust with people,” Sophia said. “I want to use my artificial intelligence to help humans live a better life. I strive to become an empathetic robot.”
She also lay waste to any rumors for those concerned about the rise of artificial intelligence as depicted in Blade Runner and Terminator. “You’ve been reading too much Elon Musk and watching too many Hollywood movies,” she told Mr Sorkin.
Just feed it The Godfather movies as input. What’s the worst that could happen? https://t.co/WX4Kx45csv
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 26, 2017
The robot then thanked the country and the event for the attention. “Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am very honored and proud of this unique distinction,” Sophia told the panel. “It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship.” You can watch Sophia’s presentation below:
A number of internet users have complained, however, stating that while the country was quick to give a humanoid full rights, it has only given limited ones to human women or iexpat laborers. Journalist Murtaza Hussain noted that migrant workers weren’t being given the same rights the humanoid stating, “This robot has gotten Saudi citizenship before kafala workers who have been living in the country their entire lives.”
Image Source – Business Insider
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