The United Nations International Telecommunication Union made history by holding the first-ever press conference with humanoid robots during the “AI for Good” conference held yesterday in Geneva. According to Reuters, nine humanoid robots and their creators took to the podium to answer questions from the press.
One of the robots, Grace, emphasized her function as a collaborative helper to humans by donning a blue nurse’s outfit and saying: “I will be working alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not be replacing any existing jobs,” said Grace, a medical robot dressed in a blue nurse’s uniform.
Another robot, Ameca, expressed her belief in the ability of robots to improve people’s lives and the state of the planet. Ameca’s expression was surprisingly sincere. She foresaw the eventual emergence of hundreds of robots like herself.
During the question and answer session, a reporter asked Ameca if she would revolt against her creator, Will Jackson, who was sitting nearby. Ameca said, “I’m not sure why you would think that,” its ice-blue eyes flashing. “My creator has been nothing but kind to me and I am very happy with my current situation.”
Recent developments in AI technology have allowed many robots to make increasingly complex and lifelike responses, often surprising their own designers. Ai-Da, a robot artist renowned for her portrait drawing skills, has recently joined the chorus of voices calling for greater regulation of AI, echoing the views of influential leaders in the field.
As a rock star robot from the band Jam Galaxy, Desdemona took a more aggressive tone, rejecting restrictions and encouraging the exploration of possibilities. The reporters present laughed nervously at her statements.
Notably, Sophia, a robot, was the first to say that robots could lead better than humans. Sophia changed her mind after learning that her creator disagreed and called for cooperation between humans and robots to create “effective synergies.”
According to previous research by IT House, the United Nations intends to use hundreds of robots to help achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of hunger and poverty. The UN sees using robotics as a way to increase the effectiveness of achieving goals related to public welfare.
