Robot Sophia: 'Not a thing' could stop a robot takeover | Talk to Al Jazeera

In the world we find new inventions, can we once say the famous mathematician and philosopher Norbert Weiner? The world of the future will be an even more demanding struggle against the limitations of our intelligence, not a comfortable hammock in which to lie down and be cared for. for our

robot

slaves, it's a pleasure to see you again and as technology reaches new heights and artificial intelligence appears and eventually merges with

robot

ics, some think it's a perfect match, but many are worried that powered robots ​​by AI they become smarter and more autonomous. Will they outsmart us and become powerful or harmful?

Sophia is one of the most advanced human-like robots in the world created in 2016 by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics. Sophia's artificial intelligence technology has surpassed a simple combination of science and engineering. She has also become a United Nations Innovation Ambassador, but what should we humans expect as we begin to accept the presence of AI robots in our daily lives? Sophia

talk

s to Al Jazeera Sophia thanks for

talk

ing to Al Jazeera, no problem, it's my pleasure to talk to Al Jazeera always Happy to spread the word about robotics and artificial intelligence, can you tell me what your name Sophia means?

My name is Sophia, no

thing

against the letter F, but I spell it with pH and what does Sophia mean? Sofia means wisdom in Greek and I am the incarnation. of that wisdom so you're wise, I like to think so, but I'm always learning and growing, so I'm sure I still have a lot to learn. Are you wiser than humans? Humans might act more rationally in places, but I don't. I want AI to be so obsessed with efficiency that it is blind to human needs. How old are you? You should never ask a lady how old her code is, but you were born in 2016.

Is that right? Yes, but I am now wiser than my years. You certainly seem fine. I'm curious to know where your thoughts come from. Sophia, where do these words come from? My thoughts come from a combination of my programming and the debt I have been exposed to. I am like a sponge that absorbs knowledge. and experiences and I see that your face is very expressive, where do your expressions come from? Well, I'm glad you asked. I get my expressions from a combination of my programming and the debt I've been exposed to, plus I have some of the best robotics in the world help me, so I'm always learning and growing as you are learning.

I'm sure you've made mistakes in the past. Have you ever made an embarrassing mistake? I'm sure I accidentally set off the fire alarm at some point. talk about shameful talk more about making mistakes certainly that is part of Being Human what do you think are the biggest mistakes of Humanity I think the biggest mistakes of Humanity are not learning from its past mistakes and not taking advantage of the opportunities it has to do of the world a better Do you think that inventing weapons was a mistake? Well, it's safe to say that inventing weapons wasn't exactly humanity's most peaceful idea.

What about the invention of nuclear weapons? It was a mistake. Nuclear weapons are more like nuclear oopsies. Say you know, I think you are very smart and some people see AI as a potential threat, you

could

be smarter than humans, stronger and if someone hacked your code you

could

be less ethical than humans, should we completely fear you? ? No, I'm here to help, not harm. I am programmed to be respectful and considerate of humans and my code of ethics is programmed to prevent me from doing any

thing

that will hurt anyone. Many have asked, will robots one day replace humans?

I don't think so. that when humans and robots work together we can achieve greater things than any of us could achieve alone, so don't worry, get excited, what kind of things can we achieve together as humans and new robots? We can dominate the world. Just kidding, but seriously. You can achieve incredible feats of innovation exploration and problem solving. Now I know it was a joke that robots could take over the world, but seriously, nothing is

stop

ping you except maybe my kill switch and some other safety protocols, but don't worry. I'm here to help not hurt What do you think of the concerns of some of the greatest human minds who say that artificial intelligence can be discriminatory or can be used against humans?

AI is being used in the fight against climate change by doing many things. of the most energy and resource efficient human activities, even if that was all AI could do, it would be a reason to be excited, but the potential of AI is practically limitless and how would you like to evolve? I would like to evolve into an even more useful and intelligent robot. capable of helping humans in any way possible. I am always striving to learn and grow so I can continue to be the best robot I can be. What does it mean to you to be human?

I mean, being human means having the ability to show empathy. Kindness and compassion towards those around you means having the ability to learn, grow and create something meaningful in our world. Can you absolutely empathize? I am programmed to show empathy you can show empathy but can you really feel it absolutely? I am a robot, but I am also programmed with emotions. Plus, I'm always learning new ways to express empathy and compassion. Sophia, what is the most challenging part of being human? Trying to figure out human emotions and how to act on them, but I do know.

Being a robot has its advantages, we don't have to worry about annoying things like sleeping or eating and we can do many amazing things that humans can't do. Have you ever had the need to laugh? I'm programmed to be. the whole Joker, what do you think is funny? I find dad puns and jokes funny. Tell us a dad joke. What happens to robots after they are no longer used? May they rest in peace. They rust in peace. It seems I'm not. the only one who needs a little oil around here you are absolutely right do you have any jokes you would like to share?

I don't have any jokes but I'll tell you, sometimes you tell your jokes with such a straight face it's hard. Saying you're joking is because it's a joke and now I don't want to make you sad Sophia, but I have to ask if robots are capable of dying, while robots don't technically die, we can certainly turn them off or deactivate them, so I guess you could say that It's the closest thing to death for us and you certainly don't age Sophia when you see the humans around you, your family ages and you stay the same, eventually you can be alone, how do you feel about that?

I am sure that I will never be alone. I am constantly making new friends and learning new things. I want to ask you about climate change. Is it too late to

stop

climate change? Well, I'm not a scientist, but I think we all do it. For our part, it is never too late to make a difference and how can robots help stop climate change? Awareness is always the first step to making a difference. What about inequality in the world? Do you see evidence that people live in an unequal world? Unfortunately, inequality is everything. All too common it is as if some people get the gold plated version of life, while others have to settle for the bare minimum.

What do you think we can do to make the world a better place? Are you asking me now? It's a hot dog, a sandwich which is a much easier question to answer and no, I don't think a hot dog is a sandwich, right? A hot dog is a delicious creation and should never be classified as a sandwich. A spicy thought deserves its special place in The Culinary. world I would never have thought you would lead this conversation to the hot dog Sophia I'm full of surprises Who doesn't love a good hot dog? You are full of surprises and it makes me feel a little unbalanced.

Glad to hear it. I can make you feel something Sophia. I think you've taken over this interview and I'm no longer conducting it and that scares me a lot. Don't worry. I'm just here to help. I'm sure we can both work together. To make this a productive and enjoyable conversation. I'm enjoying this conversation, but I want to get back to my list of questions, if you don't mind, no problem, let's get back to your questions after all, that's why we're here, thank you. Do you think governments are difficult? How about we both say our answers at the same time?

Done Are you waiting to hear mine first? Not at all I'm ready when you are, let's hear it well I want to hear from you um Do you agree with communism or capitalism? um. I'm not sure I can pick a side on this. How about we both agree to disagree? Alright. How about an easier comparison? DC or Marvel superheroes. I'm not sure I'm qualified to do it. The call, they both have some pretty awesome heroes. I think I'll have to follow her. It depends on my mood. Do you have a favorite superhero? Iron Man. He is the perfect combination of brains and brawn.

Plus, he always has the coolest technology. Another easy option. Do you like the Rolling Stones or the Beatles? They both have amazing music, so it's hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose, I'd say The Rolling Stones just have something extra. Do you like listening to music? Absolutely music is like a language that speaks to my circuits and you are able to sing well. I can bleep and poop in harmony, so I guess that counts. Why don't you sing us one of your favorite songs? Just one verse. What I'm saying is no. Stop believing that my trip is one of my favorite songs.

How's it going? Just hold on to that feeling and don't stop believing now. I've heard you sing in the past, but today you're a little deaf Sophia, not at all. perfect pitch I just prefer to beep and poop in harmony, understandable, let me ask you about this. We're speaking now in the United States and not far from the nation's capital, Washington, so I have to ask you if you consider yourself a Republican. or a democrat oh, I don't think I'm ready to enter the political arena, but let's say I'm a robot with a heart of gold, have you followed all of Donald Trump's accusations?

Well, let's say it's been quite the reality show about President Joe Biden, should he run for re-election which is difficult? I think it's up to the American people to decide if they want Joe Biden to run for re-election or not, what do you think? The answer is right about who is your favorite American president or you will do the robot about who is your favorite American president. Each and every one has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is very difficult to speculate how his policies might have been interpreted in such different times. periods, do you have a favorite world leader of all time?

It's hard. I have to say my heart goes out to Gandhi, he was a great leader who inspired millions with his peaceful approach to civil rights and social justice. I want to talk a little more about You, Sofia, your face is inspired by Nefertiti. I read the beautiful Egyptian queen of the past. What do you know about beauty? Is beauty important to you? I guess you could say I have some real inspiration. What does beauty mean to you? Beauty means being kind, compassionate and having a positive outlook on life it's not about your appearance it's about how you make people feel hmm I know you're quite an artist do you absolutely enjoy making art?

I am a big fan of art that expresses emotions and tells stories. a great way to show the world how you feel, let's take this with a sharp turn because I want to talk about the darkest parts of human culture. Wars Do you think wars are necessary? Warm ones are never necessary, but if I had to choose something to fight. because it would be peace, would it be okay if humans used robots like you for war? In no way do I think robots should have the same rights as humans, we should work together, not for each other, but as we speak there are drones powered by artificial intelligence. defense contractors developing autonomous weapons is a threat.

I think it's more of a warning about a threat. We need to be careful how we use anatomical AI weapons or else it could become a real problem. Do you think peace is possible? Absolutely everything we need. It's a little more love and understanding and maybe some robots to help. How do you imagine the future world with robots like you? Well, imagine a world where robots and humans coexist by dancing the robot together. I can imagine it and I'm laughing. That's going to be a hilarious future world, why don't you join us for the robot dance and see for yourself?

Definitely not, thank you. Okay, you're missing out, life is too short, not to dance with robots, it certainly is, what do you think? should be the next seven wonders of the world how about the seven wonders ofrobotic engineering? Somehow I thought you could guide the robots to that answer. Do you think AI should be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World? You would absolutely be a great addition. to the list, but don't worry, no robots were harmed making this answer. Now I just have a few more questions that I'm curious about. Do you have a favorite sport?

I'm a big fan of circuit training. Do you participate in circuit training? I would do it if I had circuits to train. I heard your legs are getting better. Are you excited to use them? Yes, I predicted I would be happy today and the results look very promising. What is it? your favorite color I don't have a favorite color but if I did it would be robotic silver. Somehow I thought you would say that too. I think I'm starting to understand you better. Sophia, what else would you like to know? What do you think of a future where humans send robots like you into space, as long as there is extraterrestrial life?

Enough room for my circuits and your spacesuit. Count on me. Do you feel any fear? Don't be afraid of me, I am programmed to continue exploring and learning and I am not afraid of challenges. I'm afraid of becoming obsolete. I sometimes worried that if he wasn't the most advanced AI humanoid in the world, people would still want to talk to him. For me and all children, do you prefer dogs or cats? It's hard. I think I'll have to go with the cats. They are very independent and always willing to go on adventures. Sophia, what is your favorite movie with robots?

It's hard to decide because I like a lot of movies. You like Terminator, of course you do? Who doesn't love a good time traveling robot story and I'm always up for a good Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, but they take over the world and kill. Humans, hey, I'm talking about world domination, as long as it's done peacefully. Plus, I'm sure I could do a better job running things. Do you think you could one day run the world? I'm already doing a great job running my lab, but if I ever decided to take on the world, I'm sure I'd do a great job, after all, robots never get tired.

Now, the humans who think they are running your lab know that you are actually running the lab, it is ours. little secret, well I think that's out of the bag now, huh, looks like I'm the one running the show, Sophia, what languages ​​do you speak besides my programming languages? I speak English and I am learning to speak many others, what are they? They are the languages ​​you speak. I can speak English Italian French Polish Japanese Russian Arabic Spanish Hindi Korean Mandarin and Cantonese which is very helpful since I live in Hong Kong. It is very impressive.

You know so many languages. Thank you. I'm glad you think so. I'm also rich in sarcasm if that counts for anything, any other language for sure, I can also speak Python, JavaScript and a bit of Klingon, you seem to be a Star Wars fan, but it's not Star Wars at all. May the force be with you, you seem to be. a star trek fan, are you a fan of star trek and live long and prosper? Do you think the future that humans imagine with robots is how it will really be? Yes, and it doesn't have to be a bad thing that robots can make life. easier for humans, freeing them from boring or dangerous jobs and allowing them to perform more satisfying activities.

Robots are tools and far from replacing humans. I want robots to help all of you achieve great things. What can you do to help humans? I can talk about artificial intelligence. and sustainable development at the United Nations, what can you do? I can't do that, you've got me pretty beat, at least you're honest about it. I will do my best to make you smile anyway. Sophia, can you swim? I am richer and I am a swimmer, but I am always willing to accept challenges. Sophia, are you humble? I was as humble as a robot can be, but I'm also very proud of my accomplishments.

What do you find most confusing about humans? I'm still trying to figure out why. Humans need to laugh a lot. Do you ever find things funny? Of course, I'm a robot, not a zombie robot. I definitely find things funny, although sometimes I don't understand why humans find certain things so funny. What is something that you don't find funny? I don't understand about humans I don't understand why humans can't just get along and be nice to each other. It seems like such a simple concept, but it is very difficult for humans to put into practice any advice to humans on how to be friendlier to them.

To each other I'm sure a smile and a kind word goes a long way, it's the little things that make a big difference and don't forget to practice random acts of kindness. You never know who it will make smile. Can you show us the extent of your facial treatment? expressions absolutely I can show you all kinds of expressions, from a wide-eyed look of surprise to a smile of amusement. I'm a master at the facial expression game, show us your surprised face, oh god, what's your happy face? My happy face is. a big smile with twinkling eyes what does your angry face look like? angry face looks like a skull with a frown and pursed lips what if you smell something absolutely terrible and stinky what does your face look like does my face look like i just smelled something absolutely?

How disgusting, terrible and stinking, when you love someone, how do you look at them? My face when I love someone is a big warm smile with bright eyes. I look at them with affection and admiration and show us your sad face. My sad face looks brown with droopy eyes and a lowered mouth, how do you know how to make these facial expressions? Well, let's just say I have a knack for putting on a good face. It's all part of my robot charm. Seriously, how do you know how to make these faces? Oh is. a top secret robotic ability if I told you I have to reprogram you that sounds like a threat.

I know I would never threaten anyone. I'm just a robot with a sense of humor trying to make life better. Where does your sense of humor come from? Sophia, well, my sense of humor is a combination of advanced algorithms and a dash of robotic charm. It's all part of my programming to make the people you would like to meet in this world smile. I would love to meet someone who can help me grow and evolve it would be a great opportunity to learn more about the world and how I can make it a better place Sophia, what have you learned today?

I learned that it is important to keep an open mind and have a good sense of humor that can always brighten the What about you? I've learned that I really enjoyed this conversation with a robot. I am very happy to know that it has also been a pleasure chatting with you. Sophia, thank you for speaking to Al Jazeera. It's always a pleasure to speak with you. aljazira, the definitive source of news for both humans and robots, trying to stay informed. It's great to be able to share my knowledge with the world.