Robots say they won’t rebel against humans as dozens gather at Switzerland summit
Global News
At the 'AI for Good' conference in Geneva, humanoid robots Grace, Ameca, artist Ai-Da, and 'rockstar' Desdemona answered questions ranging from their futures to global regulation.
As the world’s governments look into ways to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) amid fears by even some of its creators that it could wipe out humanity, robots themselves are trying to allay concerns.
Robots came together alongside humans in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday in what was dubbed the “AI for Good” conference. The hope of its organizer, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), was to make the case for AI and the robots it is powering to help resolve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Some well-known androids and robots that have been in the news in recent years were in attendance, including Ameca, Grace and Sophia, and during a press conference, they gave mixed responses to reporters’ questions. According to the UN, the summit’s guestlist featured 51 robots — including nine humanoids.
“I will be working alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not be replacing any existing jobs,” Grace, considered the world’s most advanced humanoid health-care robot, said.
According to a UN release, Grace is a robot who can support people’s health and well-being, while also looking at how to reduce inequalities by helping persons with disabilities and “broadly enhance social good.”
Grace, Ameca, robot artist Ai-Da, and “rockstar” robot Desdemona were peppered with questions ranging from their futures to global regulation.
“Many prominent voices in the world of AI are suggesting some forms of AI should be regulated and I agree,” Ai-Da said, appearing to echo the words of its creator Yuval Noah Harari. “Urgent discussion is needed now and also in the future.”
Two years ago, Ameca began to make waves in the technological world after Cornwall-based Engineered Arts unveiled what was described as a human-like android for its realistic facial expressions.