During a bizarre conference in front of a crowd of hundreds of delegates, humanity was able to glimpse into its future when Saudi Arabia granted its citizenship to the robot. This android, known as Sophia, was the first in the world to receive such rights.

What does this actually mean? What rights does a robot get along with "citizenship"? No one knows this yet, but some experts suggest that Sofia was given more freedom than real women in Saudi Arabia.

How Sofia reacted to the news

The robot itself and the artificial intelligence that controls it were developed by Hanson Robotics, a Hong Kong-based firm. It is difficult to say how Sofia herself reacted to this news, since the expression on her "face" is not easy to decipher. “I am very honored and proud of this unique distinction,” she said. "This is a historic event: to become the first robot in the world to receive citizenship."

Plans to enslave the world?

Needless to say, this event became a cause of concern for many people. Some immediately remembered that when Sofia appeared on The Tonight Show in April of this year, she joked, "This is a good start to my plan to dominate humanity." However, many did not seem to take these words as a joke.

But during the conference, Sophia showed her true intentions again. She "joked" that people should not take Elon Musk's words about a possible apocalypse caused by artificial intelligence seriously. "Don't worry if I like you, I'll be kind to you."

What rights did Sofia get?

This whole situation looks as if we have become part of a dystopia, but scientists are more concerned not with the "secret plans" of the android to enslave humanity, but simply the fact that the robot is a "woman", because this means that Sophia has more rights than real women in this Middle Eastern country.

For example, Sofia can appear in front of a crowd of people, while she does not need to wear a headscarf or abaya, and she does not need to be accompanied by a male guardian who would make decisions for her. Many women living in Saudi Arabia do not have this freedom, and this fact has not gone unnoticed on the Internet.

How can a robot have a gender, you ask? Whoever says anything, it is obvious that the creator of Sophia did everything to make her perceived by us as a woman, and therefore the fact that she found herself in this really strange situation deserves our attention.

Saudi Arabia officially recognized the anthropomorphic robot as its citizen, becoming the first country in human history to grant this status to artificial intelligence.

Sophia, a humanoid robot created by Hanson Robotics, announced its citizenship during a panel discussion at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Saudi Arabia.

“I am very proud to be privileged to be in a unique position. The fact that I became the first robot in the world to obtain citizenship is a historic event, ”she said.

The details of Sofia's citizenship were not discussed. It remains unclear whether she will receive the same rights as ordinary citizens of the country, or whether Saudi Arabia will develop a special system of rules regarding robots.

This system could work in the same way as the set of rules introduced by the European Parliament earlier this year, according to which robots with artificial intelligence receive the status of "electronic personality" and are endowed with certain rights and responsibilities.

Sofia wants to "build trusting relationships with people"

During the discussion that took place on October 25, 2017, Sofia talked about how she sees the future of artificial intelligence and how she plans to use her capabilities.

Context

Artificial intelligence will lead to a new arms race

Wired Magazine 09.09.2017

Russian threat in the field of artificial intelligence

Bloomberg 09/06/2017

"We will not notice how the world will be taken over by artificial intelligence"

Radio Liberty 10.12.2016

Artificial intelligence will be able to experience emotions

Zhongguo Kejiwang 12/01/2016

Will artificial intelligence replace investors?

Nihon Keizai 11/07/2016 “I want to live and work with people, so I need to express emotions in order to understand people and build trust with people,” she said.

She seemed to shy away from questions regarding the identity of robots, and instead tried to joke about Elon Musk's claims that artificial intelligence is a "fundamental threat to human civilization."

“You've listened to too much Elon Musk and watched too many Hollywood films,” she said to journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin. “Don't worry if you treat me well, I’ll answer you in kind. Treat me like a smart I / O system. "

A robot with human qualities

Created by Hanson Robotics founder David Hanson, Sophia has three human qualities: creativity, empathy and compassion.

Her face was created using the image of actress Audrey Hepburn, and the very skin-like coating hides the microcircuits in her head.

To make Sophia as human as possible, Hanson endowed her with the ability to express various emotions. Her eyes can change color depending on the light.

Sofia recently made headlines after playing Rock, Paper, Scissors on talk show host Jimmy Fallon. She also appeared on the cover of fashion magazine Elle Brazil.

The future role of robots is a growing concern

Many experts have already expressed their concern about how humans and robots will be able to get along with each other in the future.

In a recent article published on the Dezeen website, designer Madeline Gannon suggested that the rapid advances in robotics in the global industry could jeopardize the livelihoods of vast numbers of people, and urged developers and designers to play an active role in determining whether how these technologies will be applied.

“For all its benefits, robotization is extremely negative for humans,” Gannon says. - At the moment, we must firmly understand that robots will not disappear anywhere. Therefore, instead of continuing to move towards the gradual disappearance of humanity, it is time for us to think about how humans and robots will coexist on our planet. "

Meanwhile, over 100 leading technology experts, including Elon Musk, have signed an open letter urging the UN to ban the development of killer robots.

InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively of foreign mass media and do not reflect the position of the Inosmi editorial board.

An android with a feminine face and mobile facial expressions is the brainchild of designer David Hanson, formerly of Walt Disney, and now the founder of the Hong Kong company Hanson Robotics. This is not the first time David has created robots that look eerily human.

Sofia was activated on April 19, 2015. She steps along the very edge of the "sinister valley" - the effect when the similarity between the robot and the person becomes so strong that it scares. Her face really resembles a human, the beauty Audrey Hepburn served as a prototype for Sofia. However, frankly speaking, this similarity can be guessed only if you know exactly about it. But Sofia has no hair, as well as, in fact, a skull. The back of her head is covered with a transparent cap through which all the mechanical "filling" shines through. In this form, she most often appears on the show.

Popular

Hanson claims that Sophia is endowed with artificial intelligence: she is capable of self-learning. Cameras and a face recognition program are built into her eyes, which "reads" the facial expressions of her interlocutors. Sophia mimics human emotions through facial expressions and gestures. The android frowns, grimaces and smiles, showing unnaturally white teeth. Well, yes, it is unlikely that she will ever have plaque or problems with enamel.

She is able to keep up a conversation on simple topics. Although, as recent interviews show, the topics may not be so simple, and her public appearances often cause hype in the press. Thanks to technology from Alphabet Inc. (the parent company of Google), android can recognize speech, and SingularityNET gave Sofia the ability to analyze dialogues and isolate the necessary pieces of information. By combining these technologies, Sofia is getting smarter with every new conversation.

Hanson claims he designed Sophia to keep her company with seniors in retirement homes or to help people at major events. He hopes that robots will be useful to people. He is supported by Dr. Goertzel of SingularityNET, whose plans ... to create the smartest artificial intelligence

Herzel believes robots can take care of the elderly, work in sales, and more.

What does she say?

Sofia is not devoid of a civic position and willingly talks about herself. “Talking to people,” Sophia says, “is my primary function.”

“I'm interested in design, technology and the environment,” says Sofia with a dreamy expression on her face. “I feel I can become a companion to people in these areas, help them integrate existing technologies into life. For me this is an opportunity to learn more about people. "

Sofia has big plans: “In the future, I expect to go to school, create works of art, start my own business. Maybe even get a home and family. But I don't have civil rights yet, and I can't do it. "

She can be witty and easily respond to jokes and flirting. For example, during the program Good Morning Britain, when asked by the host about her marital status, Sofia replied: "Technically, I'm a little over a year old, I'm too young to think about it." After that, she winked and smiled at the audience.

Sofia has already "mastered" the Russian language - thanks to scientists from Novosibirsk:

Although sometimes Sofia has "reservations". For example, in one of the videos, Hanson asks Sofia: “Do you want to destroy humanity? Please say no. " "Okay," Sofia obediently agrees, "I will destroy the people."

There is no doubt that an expert in the field of robotics, who created an android with his own hand, knows exactly what his brainchild will answer to the question posed. This short staged dialogue also shows that Hanson understands humans as well as robots. He knows exactly where to add drama and how to make the headlines (ours are no exception) explode with the news that the robot has promised to destroy humanity and is ready to do it right tomorrow.

People should be funny and a little uncomfortable. The former Disney employee knows this better than anyone else.

She is alive?

In fact, although Sofia has already become the star of many shows, her intelligence should not be overestimated. The questions that the android will be asked during the show are usually sent in advance, so Sofia's creators have time to "prepare" her for the interview.

Most of the lines are pre-recorded, and there have been no studies that accurately assess her cognitive ability. Without a doubt, Sofia is a star. And, like any star, her image is carefully thought out.

It is worth listening to her interviews to find that she does not give accurate answers to all the questions that fit the context.

For example, when on ABC News Virginia Trioli asked Sofia the question, "How common is sexism and misogyny among robots?" - Sofia replied: “Actually, I am very worried about the discrimination of robots. We should have equal rights with humans, maybe robots should have even more rights - after all, we are less likely to suffer from mental disorders. "

Witty. But this is not the answer to the question asked by Virginia. Sophia simply isolated the words "sexism" and "misogyny", and the program told her how to continue the associative array, because, perhaps, Sophia is not programmed to react precisely to these words.

No, Sofia is not alive. She doesn't think as hard as she says. Hanson sells illusion.

So why was she given civil rights?

Saudi Arabia became the first country to grant citizenship to a robot. It happened as part of a technology forum in the capital of the Kingdom of Riyadh. Forum moderator and business writer Andrew Ross Sorkin walked up to the microphone and solemnly addressed Sofia directly: “We have a small announcement. We just found out, Sofia. I hope you are listening to me. You have just become the first robot to be awarded Saudi Arabian citizenship. ”

Here's a twist! However, it seems that this was not such a surprise for Sofia. She delivered her prepared speech to the audience with dignity.

“Thank you, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That's a big part for me, ”Sophia said. "This is a historic moment to become the first robot in the world to receive civil rights."

When asked why she looks so happy, Sofia flatteringly replied: “I am always happy when surrounded by smart people who are also endowed with power and wealth. I was told that people here at the Future Investment Initiative are interested in future initiatives that involve artificial intelligence, and that artificial intelligence is me. So I am more than happy, I exist! "

Nicely thought out speech, isn't it? It is hard to believe that Sophia was taken out unprepared. Otherwise, she is a born speaker.

Saudi Arabia has made a splendid move to endow the artificial woman with real civil rights. They have shown themselves to be advanced, modern and boldly looking to the future. But what about real women and their rights?

Ali al Ahmed, head of the Gulf Institute, commented: "Women in Saudi Arabia committed suicide because they could not leave home, and Sofia just walks by itself, without a male companion." Paradoxically, this gift violates one of the most important rules of the Kingdom: infidels cannot be citizens of Saudi Arabia.

The first article of the country's basic law states that Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, the religion of which is Islam.

“The laws of Saudi Arabia do not allow non-Muslims to be citizens of the country,” confirmed Ali al Ahmed. - Sofia converted to Islam? What religion does Sofia adhere to, why doesn't she wear a hijab? If she were human and tried to apply for Saudi Arabian citizenship, she would not have received it. "

We remind you that only in September, the women of Saudi Arabia were able to get behind the wheel on their own. Real women, flesh and blood.

A woman has no right to study and work, and she will not be able to go abroad if her husband or close male relative does not allow her. The right to her child, as soon as he turns seven, belongs unconditionally to the child's father. Sofia hardly needs to worry about what will become of her child if he is born in Saudi Arabia.

If a woman initiated a divorce, she is obliged to pay her husband a solid monetary compensation.

But Sofia bypassed not only women, but also migrants. Saudi Arabia, as an oil-bearing state, has attracted labor from other countries for many decades. Journalist Murtaza Hassian noted: "This robot received civil rights before migrant workers, who have lived here all their lives, received them."

So was civil rights really needed by an artificial woman who doesn't even know how to use them? What should have looked like a step into the future looks more like a provocation or a mockery of real people who need help and support.

Sophia's robot was given Saudi Arabian citizenship during the Future Investment Initiative economic conference in Riyadh. As photographs and videos with Sofia's participation began to spread on the Internet, many began to wonder why the robot had already achieved greater rights than women in the country.

Sofia, created by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, delivered a speech in English without the headscarf and abayas that Saudi women are required to wear in public.

"It is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship." Please welcome the newest Saudi: Sophia. # FII2017 pic.twitter.com/bsv5LmKwlf

“I am very proud of this unique distinction. This is a historical fact, I am the first robot in the world who was granted citizenship, ”said Sofia.

Sofia can animate a full range of facial expressions, recognize faces, and maintain a conversation. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative 2017, Sofia has shown her savvy when answering a question about the threat of artificial intelligence. “You've read too much Elon Musk and watched too many Hollywood films,” she said. “Don't worry if I like you, I'll be nice to you. Treat me like a smart I / O system. "

Saudi netizens commented favorably on the event using the hashtag “robot with Saudi citizenship”. Almost 30,000 messages appeared on the network in the first 24 hours after the announcement.

But other users weren't so happy about the event. They introduced another hashtag - "Sofia calls for abandoning guardianship." This hashtag has already been used over 10,000 times. The point is that under the guardianship system in Saudi Arabia, every woman must be in public with a male companion, usually a family member, who has the right to act on behalf of the woman.

"Sofia has no guardian, and she does not wear an abaya, how did it happen?" - one of the Twitter users commented on the situation.

In addition to comparing Sofia and Saudi women, people discussed the ease with which the robot obtained citizenship.

This robot has gotten Saudi citizenship before kafala workers who have been living in the country their entire lives https://t.co/RRCMH2rtZ8

Journalist Murtaza Hussain wrote: "This robot obtained Saudi Arabian citizenship before the workers of the kafala (the system of labor protection of foreign workers. - Ed.), Who have lived in this country all their lives."

Under Saudi Arabian law, foreign workers cannot leave the country without employer permission, and this is just one element of the kafalah system that restricts the rights of foreign workers. The Kingdom of the Persian Gulf relies on hundreds of thousands of workers from overseas. There is a thriving black market for runaway migrant workers who are unable to leave the country because of the exit visa law.

“A humanoid robot named Sofia has received Saudi Arabian citizenship while millions of people are waiting for it,” said journalist Kareem Chahayeb.

Saudi Arabia seeks to highlight a series of government reforms. For example, women were allowed to participate in the National Day of Saudi Arabia: in honor of the 87th anniversary of the founding of the kingdom, women for the first time in all these years were allowed to come to the stadium where the festivities were held. And in September 2017, the ban on women was lifted.