Sophia: The AI Robot That Just Gained Citizenship

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been growing at a rapid pace. Silicon Valley companies are starting to pay top dollar for individuals knowledgeable in AI.

Whether its farmers trying to increase their tomato yields by 20% or helping Google Maps guide us through traffic, AI is really starting to pick up traction if it hasn’t already.

Which brings me to Sophia.

The AI robot, created by roboticist David Hanson, was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship about a week ago. The robot is designed to be a personal assistant and cater to the elderly.

The robot is also designed to mimic human facial expression.

Although it looks like Sophia had a stroke in this picture, it shows how far we’ve come in a new and somewhat unsettling field.

The accomplishment is extraordinary and highlights the importance of developments in AI.

The other side of this coin is the fact that Sophia was granted citizenship. I’m truly not sure how I feel about it yet considering Sophia’s comment on “destroying all humans”. Do I actually believe she could destroy the human race? No, but I am hesitant to let her take care of my grandmother.

I’m more curious whether her lack of true human interaction suffices for her to be considered generally moral — a requirement for Saudi citizenship — and whether you see personal robot assistants becoming a household staple.

I’d like to know what you guys think.