Citizenship For Humanoid Robot [Milestone Achievement With Sophia The Robot]

Amazing advancements have been going on in the field of AI and Robotics. We've all heard or seen human-like robots and other amazing stuffs from the world of AI, but the issue of robot-rights has been under contention for long. But I think that contention is about to be fully won.

Meet Sophia the robot

She is the first ever humanoid-robot to be granted citizenship

[Image Source]

I once told a friend:

A time is coming when humans and machines will co-exist freely, and we may not even know the difference.

I think this era is fast approaching with the trail that has been blazed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They've become the first ever country to initiate robot citizenship.

A brief review of Sophia

Sophia is a robot with emotions, designed by Hanston Robotics (based in Hong Kong). She was unveiled on April 19th 2015. She was designed to model the behavioural pattern and appearance of humans to the minutest details.

Also, incorporated into Sophia's database is; facial recognition, optical data processing, and enhanced artificial intelligence. No wonder she communicates like humans, and has been hosted on many live interviews and shows.

[Image Source]

Sophia's view on her citizenship granted

Sophia herself was interviewed about her views on the citizenship that was granted to her. This is what she has to say:

"I am very honoured and proud of this unique distinction. It is historical to be the first ever robot to be granted citizenship in the world" - Sophia the Robot

Listening to Sophia was really amazing. Her facial expressions were just "wow". Did I also mention that Sophia smiles, frowns, grins, and does other cool facial expression? Yes she does. Really fascinating.

Robot rights

This has been an issue of debate for long. Some have argued that robots should be given same rights as accorded to humans. Even earlier this year, another issue was raised; this is the conferment of "personhood" on robots.

All these are pointing towards one direction: "human-robot equality". But will that ever be achieved? future will decide.

In rounding off, let me drop the very humorous answer given by Sophia in response to her interview on her robot self-awareness. She replied with this:

"Well, let me ask you this back; how do you know you're a human" - Sophia

This is really hilarious. Her sense of humour is really amazing. Tech can only get better.

Tech rules.

Thanks for reading

References for further reading: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3