A group of humanoid robots took center stage at a news conference held in Geneva, organized by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union. The conference aimed to ignite a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence by allowing reporters to ask questions directly to these human-like machines.
The news conference, titled “AI for Good Global Summit,” marked a significant milestone as it became the first-ever gathering where humanoid social robots were featured as the primary speakers. The panel consisted of nine robots with unique purposes and characteristics. Notable attendees included Sophia, the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) first robot innovation ambassador; Grace, a healthcare-oriented robot; and Desdemona, a rock star robot. Also, Geminoid and Nadine were strikingly similar in appearance to their creators.
Human-machine collaboration and scripted responses
The AI for Good Global Summit highlighted the importance of human-machine collaboration in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Incorporating pre-programmed responses into some of the robots showcased the potential synergy between human creativity and machine precision. However, questions regarding the extent of scripted answers remained unanswered, leaving room for speculation about the authenticity of the robots’ statements.
While the event aimed to showcase the potential of robotics and their contribution to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, it also aimed to highlight their limitations. During the conference, the robots were introduced by their companions or creators, and reporters were given the opportunity to pose questions directly to the machines.
In response to inquiries, the robots made strong statements suggesting that they could potentially surpass human efficiency in leadership roles. However, they quickly emphasized that their purpose was not to replace humans or incite rebellion. Nevertheless, the organizers did not disclose the extent to which the robots’ answers were scripted or programmed by humans, leaving some room for speculation.
The AI for Good Global Summit was designed to explore the concept of “human-machine collaboration.” It was revealed that some of the robots could provide pre-programmed responses, as documented in their specifications. For instance, Sophia, the UNDP’s ambassador, occasionally relies on scripted responses prepared by a team of writers at Hanson Robotics, according to the company’s website.
To ensure effective communication, reporters were instructed to speak slowly and clearly when addressing the robots. The delays in response were ascribed to the internet connection rather than being a result of the robots’ performance. Despite these precautions, occasional awkward pauses, audio issues, and inconsistent replies were evident during the Q&A session.
Potential and limitations of humanoid robots
The news conference aimed to provide a platform for showcasing both the capabilities and limitations of humanoid robots. By gathering these human-like machines in one location, the event offered a unique opportunity to assess their potential applications and the boundaries of their capabilities. Although the robots voiced ambitious claims about their leadership abilities, their underlying purpose was to support human endeavors rather than replace them entirely.
The rise of artificial intelligence systems has garnered significant attention worldwide, particularly since the launch of ChatGPT, a chatbot renowned for its mastery of human language semantics and syntax. This has sparked ongoing debates about the rapid advancement of AI and its implications for society.
The news conference held in Geneva, featuring humanoid robots answering questions from reporters, marked a significant milestone in the discussion about the future of artificial intelligence. The event showcased the potential of robotics while also emphasizing its limitations. It offered valuable insights into the concept of human-machine collaboration and raised important questions about the role of scripted responses in shaping public perception. As the field of AI advances, it is clear that the interaction between humans and machines will play a pivotal role in shaping our shared future.
See the robots in action here.
