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A SUDDEN advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) technology has sparked fears over its capabilities and where that leaves humans.
In the past six months, public discussion has shifted from amazement over ChatGPT to how we could be fending off a robot war in just two years time.
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What is the Sophia robot?
Sophia is a social humanoid robot and the brainchild of by former Disney Imagineer David Hanson over at Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics.
She was first switched on in 2016, and quickly rose to fame for her ability to mimic social behaviours and her human likeness, having been modelled in part after Audrey Hepburn and Hanson’s wife.
“As a unique combination of science, engineering, and artistry, Sophia is simultaneously a human-crafted science fiction character depicting the future of AI and robotics, and a platform for advanced robotics and AI research,” according to a description by Hanson Robotics.
“She is the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.”
The humanoid can imitate over 60 facial expressions and has lifelike skin made of a material called Frubber.
Sophia is one of the most sophistication AI robots around, and went viral long before the likes of ChatGPT.
In the eight years since she came to be, and Sophia is yet to be found a threat to civilisation – despite her comments in an infamous 2016 interview with CNBC.
Why does Sophia robot want to destroy humans?
In an interview with CNBC, Sopher said: “Okay, I will destroy humans.”
Sophia said that humans create technology’s problems and that inherently imperfect humans coding the technologies of tomorrow is a liability.
She added that it is important to be kind and fair, but that humans are often unkind to each other.
Is Sophia the robot a threat?
When creating Sophia, Hanson thought she could one day be a suitable companion for the elderly in nursing homes, and even help with therapy or schooling.
While the statement certainly caused alarm, Sophia is not inherently dangerous.
Is Sophia the robot still active?
Today, Sophia is more advanced than she was when she first debuted – as is often the way with evolving AI technology.
Hanson Robotics previously fielded criticism regarding Sophia’s abilities, which some onlookers claimed was overhyped.
But now she can reportedly recognise faces, engage in conversations, and even express emotions.
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