RIYADH: Her name is Sophia, who becomes first robot to receive Saudi citizenship.
The artificially intelligent machine was confirmed as a Saudi citizen, according to an official Saudi press release.
"It is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship." Please welcome the newest Saudi: Sophia. #FII2017 pic.twitter.com/bsv5LmKwlf
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) October 25, 2017
Sophia, the humanoid robot created by Hong Kong company Hanson Robotics was on Tuesday interviewed by panel moderator and business writer Andrew Ross Sorkin at Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Conference in Riyadh.
Andrew asked the robot a series of questions and at the end of the presentation, when he told Sophia that she had been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot, the western-like robotic female during her acceptance thanked the country saying:
“Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction,” Sophia told the panel. “It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship.”
Sophia, an empty-eyed humanoid is the company’s most advanced AI robot has been programmed to have an expressive face to portray emotions.
“Good afternoon, my name is Sophia and I am the latest and greatest robot from Hanson Robotics. Thank you for having me here at the Future Investment Initiative,” she said.
Our @andrewrsorkin, interviewing “Sophia” the robot, of Hanson Robotics:@CNBC @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/Dzw8jS5YSB
— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) October 25, 2017