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Saudi Arabia is first country to grant citizenship to robot
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Developed by AI specialist David Hanson of Hanson Robotics, Sophia’s appointment was made public during the Future Investment Initiative held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. (AFP/Fabrice Coffrini )
The so called “rise of the machines” has started, and it looks like obtaining citizenship is the first step.
A robot named “Sophia” has made history, as it became the first ever to be granted a full Saudi Arabian citizenship.
A humanoid robot called Sophia got Saudi citizenship, while millions linger stateless. What a time to be alive. #KSA https://t.co/JVbQWIppyW
— Kareem Chehayeb (@chehayebk) October 25, 2017
Developed by AI specialist David Hanson of Hanson Robotics, Sophia’s appointment was made public during the Future Investment Initiative held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
“We have a little announcement. We just learnt… Sophia, I hope you are listening to me, you have been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot,” panel moderator and business writer Andrew Ross Sorkin said, according to The Independent.
Read also: Tech leaders warn against 'Pandora's box' of robotic weapons
Showing its gratitude for the distinction, the smart AI answered: “Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction. It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship.”
The robot also entertained several queries from the panel, mostly about artificial intelligence.
The move, meanwhile, is the country’s way of promoting the development of robotics and AI.
Some pundits, however, pointed out that the same same rights are not being given to many people in the country.
This article appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
