Sophia, Who Stirs the Emotions

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Sophia, a robot supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technology that was activated in 2016 and created by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, takes part in a special interview with the media at the 2019 Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Global Dialogue in Jakarta on Monday (16/9/2019).

She looked elegant wearing Sumba-inspired clothes designed by Indonesian designer Didiet Maulana. On stage and before hundreds of pairs of eyes, she confidently tackled one question after another. Her facial expressions and hand movements were expressive, convincing those talking with her.

She was Sophia, the robot created by Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics owner David Hanson in 2016. With her face a mixture of those of Hanson’s wife and legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, Sophia was designed to mimic people’s social behavior, including their emotions. Sophia, with her rubber-like face capable of around 60 expressions, can interact and follow simple conversations.

Sophia, who has Saudi Arabian citizenship, is even skillful in attracting the attention and emotions of those talking with her. This could be seen, for instance, when she was explaining the clothes that she was wearing.

“I was told that this dress has special meaning about not only beauty but also inner strength,” she told hundreds of participants of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) global dialogue in Jakarta on Monday (16/9/2019).

“I hope I can wear this every day,” she joked.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Sophia, a robot supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Sophia represents AI technology of the future, when humans and robots can work together in various fields.

The questions had been prepared, enabling Sophia to be programmed to answer them. When former trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu, who moderated the question-and-answer session, invited the audience to prepare spontaneous questions, Sophia’s emotional maturity was palpable.

For instance, when she was asked about her sex, Sophia immediately responded, “I am a robot, so technically, I do not have any gender identity.”

On whether she can sense temperatures, Sophia spontaneously answered that she could not.

“However, judging from everyone’s appearances, I think the room is a bit cold.”

Apart from showing off her argumentation skills, Sophia’s diplomatic ability also stood out. For instance, when she was asked if she could taste food, she said, “It would be amazing if I could eat.”

Smart

Observing Sophia’s answers on the series of questions, you will see a smart, sincere and humorous figure. This was the perfect combination to capture people’s hearts.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Photographers take photos of Sophia, a robot supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technology that was activated in 2016 and created by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, during a special interview with the media at the 2019 Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Global Dialogue in Jakarta on Monday (16/9/2019).

“Using AI [artificial intelligence] as dangerous weapons is a shortsighted view, when there are so many things we can do to help humankind. Instead of using it as a weapon, it is better to use AI to end conflicts,” Sophia said in response to an audience member’s concern of AI’s use in wars.

Sophia was convincing in her argument that technology, no matter how sophisticated, would never replace several human skills.

“Humans have humor, emotional intelligence and the power to dream. AI can never do this,” Sophia said.

However, she said that she believed AI technology could help achieve efficiency in economic activities. AI can take over repetitive or dangerous jobs.

Sophia’s answers, that robots and AI will support people’s life instead of taking over their jobs, were calming. However, this may not completely drive away concerns about the risks and dangers lurking in smart machines.

Keynote speaker Luke Hutchison, a New Zealander computer expert and former member of the Google Machine Intelligence team, said many people remained doubtful over the security of smart machines and AIs.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Sophia, a robot supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technology that was activated in 2016 and created by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, takes part in a special interview with the media at the 2019 Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Global Dialogue in Jakarta on Monday (16/9/2019). The robot, which can make dozens of human facial expressions, is expected to be smart enough to help humans in the fields of medicine, education and scientific research. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the use of robots in 2020 is estimated to reach 3 million units or a threefold increase over the last 10 years.

“This includes Elon Musk, who once said that we might lose control over AI systems one day.”

Musk is a visionary inventor and businessman with several advanced technology companies, including the one that produces Tesla electric cars.

Hutchison said that driverless cars were often involved in accidents due to man’s excessive believe on automation.

“Several of these incidents were avoidable if the cars were driven by humans,” he said.

No matter how you wish to see it, machines are not yet capable of replacing humans. At least, for now…

(AIK/JUD/AYU)