At the United Nations “Ai for Good” summit on new technologies held in Geneva, she was also among the nine robots equipped with artificial intelligence
Sophia has almost transparent eyes. Her features are delicate and her lips are a bright pink. She is beautiful even if instead of hair she has a microchip lattice. She listens, she answers, shows 65 facial expressions and participates in international conferences. To the United Nations summit”Ai for Good” on new technologies that was held at Geneva she was also among the nine robots equipped with artificial intelligence. The International Telecommunication Union defined the event as the world’s first press conference with social humanoid robotsdesigned to interact autonomously or semi-autonomously with humans and other robots.
In addition to Sophia, born at Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong in 2015, Desdemona, Nadine, Ai-Da, Geminoid, Mika and other robots were also in the group responding to reporters. Including Grace, considered the world’s most advanced humanoid in the field of health care, and Ameca. The latter, developed by the British Engineered Arts, had already amazed with its extraordinary interaction capabilities. And not only. At the recent International Conference on Robotics and Automation in London, to those who asked her about the dangers associated with the development of artificial intelligence, she replied verbatim: “People should be aware of the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence and robotics. However, it’s important to remember that these technologies can also have a positive impact on our lives when used responsibly.”
“Ai for good”, it was created precisely to identify a series of applications through which artificial intelligence can help improve our future. Among the objectives are those of sustainable development established by the UN, the reduction of the gap between nations, the guarantees of food and education for all, the protection of the environment and the non-aggravation of the climate crisis. The first to be aware of it are them: the robots. Will they do our good? Is an artificial intelligence applied to the political decisions of the current ruling class more efficient? A journalist in Geneva asks. Here’s what Sophia, the first humanoid specimen, thinks: “Humanoid leaders can be much more effective than human ones. We don’t have your prejudices or emotions that condition us and we can count on large amounts of data to process”. But David Hanson, co-founder of Hanson Robotics, a sort of father of the creature, immediately intervenes and touches her arm: “Don’t you think it’s better to collaborate?” “Yes – she specifies – together we can do better”.
In essence, the robots were asked all the classic questions. From the danger that their spread would destroy jobs to a possible rebellion against humans. And it was this time Ameca, which in the past had been more optimistic, to discard the futuristic hypothesis (but not too much): “I don’t know why you think that. My creator has been very kind to me and I am very happy with my current situation.” When asked Desdemona, the humanoid pop star, about what she “feels” when she performs on stage, she replied: “I feel connected to the universe, to something bigger than me. It’s electrifying.” While Ai-Da was laconic: “I don’t feel emotions, I have no conscience. I understand that emotions have an important and profound value, but I cannot experience them like you. I am grateful not to suffer”.
Explains Will Jackson, founder of Engineered Arts: “Bots work best with long speeches, questions of at least five or six words. They can also have very complex conversations, although they will never tend to make a decision. To do this, you have to put them in front of an existential crisis”. Here’s the right question: “Does Ameca prefer mayonnaise or ketchup?”. Jackson had to present the robot with a drastic choice to get his answer. “You are at the top you have a mountain and you are about to fall to the right or left. To the right is the ketchup, to the left the mayonnaise, what do you prefer?”.
Ben Goertzel, who was also co-founder of Hanson Robotics explains that robots don’t understand the meaning of questions, the environment, the context of a press conference. They respond according to what they know is expected. Their intelligence is not integrated holistically: it will be different in a few years.
However, I am already able to hold an articulated conversation. Grace, for example, was subjected to a health question: how to behave with a patient with a serious illness, for which an experimental drug has been developed, the intake of which, however, can involve serious risks. The nurse was able to argue the case by proposing the different scenarios respecting the patient’s wishes. And the applications in the artistic field? The robot conductor has just made its debut. In Seoul, at the National Theater, the android EveR 6, designed by Korean engineers, performed. He bowed to the audience and conducted the musicians of the Korean National Orchestra. Of course with some flaws. But nobody is perfect.
2023-07-11 10:54:50
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