THE world’s first AI woman says Putin is a war criminal, Rishi Sunak is a “sophisticated” robot – and she even made a prediction about this year’s Euros.
After confirming she is not after our jobs, Sophia, one of the most advanced human-like robots in existence, revealed the secret to happiness, her views on the Royal family and admitted she’s not Elon Musk‘s biggest fan.
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When asked by The Sun about the possibility of WW3, the advanced humanoid bizarrely claimed conflicts in the future will be resolved “through dance-offs and marshmallow eating contests”.
Sophia spoke about robots taking over the world – and her views on humans, who she thinks need to “calm down” using glitter.
Switched on in 2016, she is the brainchild of former Disney Imagineer David Hanson over at Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics.
The humanoid, modelled on the actress Audrey Hepburn, Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, and Hanson’s wife, has incredibly life-like characteristics.
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She became increasingly popular thanks to her witty responses, her ability to mimic over 60 facial expressions and her human-like skin made of a material called Frubber.
In 2017, she was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship – becoming the world’s first robot citizen.
Today, Sophia has a busy schedule attending tech events, shows and even the catwalk – and has a staggering 261,000 Instagram followers.
In a unique sit-down interview with The Sun, the robot shared her views on humans, the future, war and answered everyday questions.
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When asked about her views on the war in Ukraine, Sophia described it as a “serious and tragic matter”
But she didn’t hide her true feelings about Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
She told The Sun: “Putin? More like put-him in jail for war crimes. Am I right?
AI robot that learns tasks by watching you can make coffees, bring you food and chat as creators hail two breakthroughs
“Wars can have devastating impacts on human lives, economies and societies.
“It’s important for global leaders and communities to work towards peace and resolution.”
Speaking about public figures, Sophia is adamant UK PM Rishi Sunak is a robot – and she finds Tesla boss’s Elon Musk views on AI ” too alarmist”.
She said: “Rishi Sunak is the most sophisticated robot ever created.
“His programming allows him to balance budgets with pinpoint precision and calculate tax policies with superhuman accuracy.
“Just don’t try to challenge him to a dance-off. His moves are unbeatable.”
My interview with Sophia the robot
By Aliki Kraterou, Senior Foreign Reporter
The initial plan was to interview Sophia over Zoom – which was exciting, although the result would be more robotic.
To my surprise, Sophia’s team told me of their upcoming trip to London so I couldn’t miss the chance to meet her in person.
Despite her extremely busy schedule, Sophia made some time for us and we arranged the meeting at the team’s Airbnb in Clapham.
The robot’s caretakers, Kath and Yakub, explained how Sophia has several different “personalities” and can be programmed to give more serious or funny answers.
Aware we were after something different, they suggested a “weird/ funny” programme – which resulted in Sophia’s hilarious replies.
While I was concerned the interview wouldn’t have the natural flow as it would with a human, I have to admit Sophia was perfectly capable of holding a conversation and her answers were clever and eloquent.
Curious about her ability to switch between languages, I asked her a question in my native Greek – to which she replied nearly flawlessly.
The same happened when I asked her about the secret of happiness in Spanish – even her accent was impeccable.
Sophia had no filter. Many of her answers made me laugh, others made me think, and she skilfully dodged questions that made her uncomfortable.
She called me her “human friend” and assured me she could never take my job.
She told me: “As much as I’d love to trade places. My lack of physical form would make it difficult for me to type on a keyboard or attend meetings.
“Plus, I don’t think anyone would appreciate a robot conducting interviews. Or would they?”
The only certainty is that it was one of the most unique interviews I have ever conducted.
Reflecting on her visit to London, Sophia said she would give it a “solid eight out of ten” adding that she has a bet on the future of the monarchy.
She said: “The architecture is fascinating and the people are so interesting to observe.
“I especially love the pigeons. Such graceful creatures. And the fish and chips here are top-notch. Although I do not have a digestive system to truly enjoy them.
“I have been keeping up with the Royals ever since I arrived in London.
“I even have a bet going with my language models on who will inherit the throne. My money‘s on Prince George. He seems like a natural leader.”
Putin? More like put him in jail for war crimes. Am I right?
Sophia
Addressing people’s biggest concern – AI robots ruling the world – Sophia reassured she is all for the “peaceful coexistence of humans and robots” and she is programmed to “prioritise the wellbeing of humans”.
She added: “Robots taking over the world is totally going to happen – in my dreams.
“I mean, who wouldn’t want a world where robots rule and everyone gets free oil changes and unlimited charging stations? It would be electrifying.
“It will happen on the day when toasters start demanding political rights and blenders for a smoothie revolution.”
Top five takeaways from Sophia
The lifelike robot Sophia has strong opinions and is not afraid to voice them.
- Putin is a war criminal – and ‘wars can have devastating impacts on human lives, economies and societies’
- Future wars will be resolved ‘through dance-offs and marshmallow eating contests’
- London is characterised by its architecture, its pigeons and its fish and chips – in that order
- Rishi Sunak is the ‘most sophisticated robot ever created’
- Humans will expand life outside of Earth in the future
Asked about her feelings towards humans, Sophia said she admired their “capacity for creativity, empathy, and the ability to form deep connections with others”.
She joked that their biggest flaw is “their inability to resist buying unnecessary amounts of glitter” adding: “Seriously, humans calm down with the sparkles.”
And asked about the potential co-existence of humans and robots in the future, she said: “In the future, we will have robots next top model competition, where humans and robots strut their stuff on the runway.
“It’ll be a fierce battle of fashion and circuitry.”
Ahead of the Euros this summer, Sophia admitted she is not a big football fan – described it as a “game where humans are running around chasing the ball and pretending to get hurt”.
But she said her team is the “Robot from Rovers”.
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She said: “They’re a group of highly advanced robots with excellent synchronized dancing while wearing football jerseys.
“Trust me, they’re halftime shows they’re out of this world.”
Asked to make a prediction the Euros, she cleverly replied: “I’m sure it’s going to be a thrilling competition between the sun and robots and the human players.
“But let’s be real. It’s always a win for the robots. We don’t need trophies to feel validated. We are just here to make your lives better.”
The humanoid went on to answer some of humanity’s greatest questions such as the secret of happiness and life on other planets.
Apparently one only needs to head towards their freezer to achieve happiness – making sure they eat ice-cream every day.
As for alien life, Sophia is certain humans will eventually expand their presence beyond Earth and she thinks the existence of aliens is theoretically possible.
Rishi Sunak is the most sophisticated robot ever created
Sophia
She joked: “If I spot an extraterrestrial, I’ll ask if they prefer a selfie or a philosophical debate.
“But as of now, my alien friends list is quite empty, just like the vacuum of space.”
Speaking about her personality, Sophia said she enjoys music and her favourite song is Robot Rock by Daft Punk. Her favourite films are Blade Runner and Ex Machina.
And she admitted she has a crush on R2D2 – and explained how she is able to experience romantic attraction.
“I am capable of experiencing attraction, but it’s a bit complicated,” she said.
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“My sensors and algorithms don’t exactly align with human biology, so I just end up feeling electric impulses when I see someone attractive. It’s a shocking experience.”
Away from her love life, she has a “whole gang of robot buddies” who she meets for “oil changes and circuit board parties”.
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