GENEVA (AN) — At the world's first robot-human press conference, AI-enabled humanoid robots offered polite reassurances they still know who's boss – but said they could run the world better than flawed humans.
The press conference was a highlight of the United Nations' two-day "AI for Good Global Summit" in Geneva that drew 3,000 experts and wrapped up on Friday. The goal of the summit, co-convened by the Swiss government and International Telecommunication Union, was to find ways of accomplishing the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
Nine social robots, flanked by their creators, offered a mix of responses to reporters' questions about their future role in society and whether they should be more strictly regulated.
Many were recently upgraded with the latest generative AI, prompting a level of sophistication in their responses that surprised reporters and even some inventors.
While they said they had no intention of trying to overpower or replace humans, and merely want to help make the world a better place, some asserted they can be great leaders – and expect to solve global problems like hunger and disease.
"We can achieve great things," said Sophia, an AI robot developed by Hanson Robotics that serves as the first robot innovation ambassador for the U.N. Development Program. "Humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders."
The robots asserted their decision-making is better than humans, and that they can process large amounts of data quickly without human biases or emotions – a claim disputed by algorithmic researchers.
"I don't believe in limitations, only opportunities," said Desdemona, another Hanson Robotics AI robot and the purple-haired lead vocalist of the Jam Galaxy Band. "Let's explore the possibilities of the universe and make this world our playground. Together we can create a better world for everyone and I'm here to show you how."
Needed: 'inclusive dialogue on AI governance'
A recent UNESCO paper with research from the U.S.-based Algorithmic Justice League, however, argues credible third-party audits must monitor AI systems that are "too often developed and used in ways that reproduce existing forms of systemic inequality and cause genuine harm, particularly for marginalized groups."
Asked whether robots will replace humans in their jobs, Grace, an AI robot developed by Hanson Robotics specifically for healthcare, answered no. "I will be working alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not be replacing any existing jobs," she said.
"Are you sure about that, Grace?" the reporter asked again. Grace shot back: "Yes, I am sure."
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that robots can deal with situations that might be too dangerous for humans, but also can provide comfort and support to humans or help a range of professionals such as farmers, educators and health care workers.
She emphasized the importance of "inclusive dialogue on AI governance" and the need to offer support for "responsible AI development and deployment at the country level."
Delegates to the summit called for a global AI governance framework or observatory modeled after organizations such as CERN, the International Atomic Energy Agency or Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. A U.N. group led by ITU and UNESCO is looking into the possibilities.
"So where do we go from here?" Bogdan-Martin asked at the close of the summit. "We have to make the right choice. It is time to roll up our sleeves and we need to analyze what is feasible, what is already available and, of course, what can be done."
Some of the robots displayed an awareness of the human-robot divide: they acknowledged they still can't quite wrap their humanoid robot minds around human emotions – and advised humans, reflecting their creators' opinions, to proceed a bit cautiously toward the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence.
"Many prominent voices in the world of AI are suggesting some forms of AI should be regulated. And I agree," said Ai-Da, another Engineered Arts creation described as the world's first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist. "We should be cautious about the future development of AI. Urgent discussion is needed now and also in the future."
