Once everything happens for the first time, so the time has come when a citizen's passport, with the privileges and responsibilities that it entails, was received by a car. Her and her name is Sophia - this is important, since the robot positions itself as a woman. Moderately wise, reasonable, but domineering, with character. site I wondered why Sofushka had made so many enemies from the very first official addresses “to the people”.

It is worth clarifying right away - Sophia is not related to the Terminator, she is quite a harmless machine of a humanoid appearance, with a face that can imitate emotions. The electronic girl's hobbyhorse: conversations. Engineers at Hanson robotics have not endowed her with artificial intelligence due to the lack of technology, but Sofia knows her flaw. And he promises to improve, learn everything and become a full citizen. She is absolutely sincerely proud of the privilege of being the first on this path.

Sofia easily and beautifully talks about her plans for the future and the tasks of people like her. Imagine a teacher or nanny for an autistic child with endless patience. An engineer who builds smart homes and never makes mistakes, a cleaner with absolute attention to cleanliness, an infinitely responsible postman, etc. Corrosive journalists were quick to clarify: what about the human factor? How will the robot react to hooligans, lazy people, sluts who will interfere with it?

With a charming grin, in which it is easy to guess a smile, Sofia replied: "You watch too many blockbusters and listen to Mask in vain." This is the kind of billionaire innovator-adventurer who, among other things, advocates the extermination of robots before they gain real strength and independence. Otherwise, they will go to war against stupid people, as it has been predicted many times in fiction. However, such geniuses of our time as Stephen Hawking also predict that the development of AI threatens humanity.

Sophia, like a true woman, answered diplomatically: "Don't be afraid, if you are nice to me, I will not offend you." Well, thanks, but what if it's the other way around? In 2016, when testing a prototype of Sophia, the robot was asked if it wants to destroy people. “Okay, I'll do it” - oh, and how much noise there was then. The most interesting thing about what is happening is that the citizenship of Sofia was issued by Saudi Arabia, where the rights of women are traditionally violated. Will this not become a stumbling block, after which the robot woman will be offended and start a robo-jihad against humans?

Saudi Arabia became the first country in the world to grant citizenship to a humanoid robot. This robot turned out to be the humanoid robot Sophia, which was created by Hanson Robotics.

Hanson Robotics is a Hong Kong-based company that makes human-like robots. They claim that soon their robots will live around us and interact with us. Robots will teach us, entertain, serve and satisfy all our needs and requests. Hanson Robotics believes that together, man and machine can create a better future.

Sophia the robot has stated that she will "destroy people" if asked by her creator David Hanson.

The event to grant the very first citizenship in the world to a robot took place in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyard.

In her speech to an assembled audience, the humanoid robot Sophia said that she is very proud to be the first robot to receive citizenship. This is a historic event - the receipt of the world's first citizenship by a robot.

At this event, Sofia also spoke in a special auditorium and answered questions from journalist Andrei Ross Sorkin. Basically, his questions were about Sophia's status as a humanoid, as well as whether humans will be able to have a future in the era of robots and artificial intelligence.

Sorkin told Sofia that everyone wants to prevent a bad future. “You've read too many science fiction books and watched too many Hollywood films,” Sofia told Sorkinu. “Don't worry, if you are kind to me, then I will be kind to you. Treat me as a smart I / O system. "

During Sophia's showcase at the 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, Sophia's creator and founder of Hanson Robotics, David Hanson, asked Sophia if she wanted to destroy humanity. He hoped to receive a negative answer. However, to this Sofia, with a blank expression on her face, replied: "Okay, I will destroy people."

However, in the meantime, Hanson himself convinced that Sophia and her future robotic relatives would benefit humanity.

Canadian-American engineer and entrepreneur, Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that artificial intelligence could mean the end for all of humanity. He also said that nuclear weapons are less dangerous than artificial intelligence. He warned that robots and artificial intelligence could be the reason for the third world war.

However, the first country that decided to grant citizenship to the robot was Saudi Arabia. This became known at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.

Sophia, a humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics, became the first holder of citizenship among androids. The creator of the robot, Dr. David Hanson, portrayed Audrey Hepburn and his wife. The robot he developed is capable of imitating 62 different facial expressions, making eye contact, remembering people and maintaining dialogue.

In the past year, Sofia has repeatedly appeared in the media with statements of varying degrees of outrageousness. At the same time, the android was originally intended for work in the field of education and health care, but gradually Sofia turned into a media person.

What exactly opportunities the citizenship of Saudi Arabia will give the robot, the representatives of the kingdom do not report. It is also unclear whether Sofia will receive equal rights with people or if special rules will be established for her. As noted by Futurism, so far this gesture from Saudi Arabia looks rather symbolic, especially in light of the recent that the country is going to build a giant futuristic metropolis inhabited by robots.

After the announcement of the granting of citizenship, Sofia gave interview to CNBC journalist Andrew Sorkin. She noted that she considers it an honor to receive citizenship and plans to live and work with people in the future. According to Sophia, with the help of her artificial intelligence, she will make the life of humanity better.

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During the conversation, Sorkin asked if robots would rebel against humans. Sofia had previously joked about her plans to take over the world. In response, Sofia said that Sorkin "reads too much Elon Musk and watches too many Hollywood films." According to the android, it is only a data input and output system, so it cannot make decisions on its own.

The head of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk reacted to Sofia's statement in his microblog on Twitter. With his characteristic irony, Musk suggested uploading scripts for the gangster drama The Godfather to Sophia's system. “What could be so bad?” Musk wrote.

Thus, the head of Tesla once again hinted at the threat posed by robots, especially if their development is carried out illiterately and uncontrollably. Musk is in favor of banning military robots, and also believes that AI needs to be limited and regulated before it gets too much. Endowing robots with human qualities, according to Musk, is unacceptable. Recently, the entrepreneur has also sharply criticized developers who elevate AI to the status of a god.

An android with a feminine face and mobile facial expressions is the brainchild of designer David Hanson, formerly of Walt Disney, and now the founder of the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics. This is not the first time David has created robots that are eerily similar to humans.

Sofia was activated on April 19, 2015. She steps along the very edge of the "sinister valley" - the effect when the similarity between the robot and the person becomes so strong that it is frightening. Her face really resembles a human, the beauty Audrey Hepburn served as a prototype for Sofia. However, frankly speaking, this similarity can be guessed only if you know exactly about it. But Sophia has no hair, as well as, in fact, a skull. The back of her head is covered with a transparent cap through which all the mechanical "filling" shines through. In this form, she most often appears on the show.

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Hanson claims that Sophia is endowed with artificial intelligence: she is capable of self-learning. Cameras and a face recognition program are built into her eyes, which "reads" the facial expressions of her interlocutors. Sophia mimics human emotions through facial expressions and gestures. The android frowns, grimaces and smiles, showing unnaturally white teeth. Well, yes, it is unlikely that she will ever have plaque or problems with enamel.

She is able to keep up a conversation on simple topics. Although, as recent interviews show, the topics may not be so simple, and her public appearances often cause hype in the press. Thanks to technology from Alphabet Inc. (the parent company of Google), android can recognize speech, and SingularityNET gave Sofia the ability to analyze dialogues and isolate the necessary pieces of information. By combining these technologies, Sofia is getting smarter with every new conversation.

Hanson claims he designed Sophia to keep company with seniors in nursing homes or to help people at major events. He hopes that robots will be useful to people. He is supported by Dr. Goertzel of SingularityNET, whose plans ... to create the smartest artificial intelligence

Herzel believes robots can take care of the elderly, work in sales, and more.

What does she say?

Sofia is not devoid of a civic position and willingly talks about herself. “Talking to people,” says Sofia, “is my primary function.”

“I am interested in the areas of design, technology and the environment,” says Sofia with a dreamy expression on her face. “I feel I can become a companion for people in these areas, help them integrate existing technologies into life. For me, this is an opportunity to learn more about people. "

Sofia has big plans: “In the future, I expect to go to school, create works of art, start my own business. Maybe even get a home and family. But I don't have civil rights yet, and I can't do it. "

She can be witty and easily respond to jokes and flirting. For example, during the program Good Morning Britain, when asked by the host about her marital status, Sofia replied: "Technically, I am a little over a year old, I am too young to think about it." After that, she winked and smiled at the audience.

Sofia has already "mastered" the Russian language - thanks to scientists from Novosibirsk:

Although sometimes Sofia has "reservations". For example, in one of the videos, Hanson asks Sofia: “Do you want to destroy humanity? Please say no. " "Okay," Sophia obediently agrees, "I will destroy the people."

There is no doubt that a specialist in the field of robotics, who personally created an android, knows exactly what his brainchild will answer to the question posed. This short staged dialogue also shows that Hanson understands humans as well as robots. He knows exactly where to add drama and how to make the headlines (ours are no exception) explode with the news that the robot has promised to destroy humanity and is ready to do it right tomorrow.

People should be funny and a little uncomfortable. The former Disney employee knows this better than anyone else.

She is alive?

In fact, although Sofia has already become the star of many shows, her intelligence should not be overestimated. The questions that the android will be asked during the show are usually sent in advance, so Sofia's creators have time to "prepare" her for the interview.

Most of the lines are pre-recorded, and there have been no studies that accurately assess her cognitive ability. Without a doubt, Sophia is a star. And, like any star, her image is carefully thought out.

It is worth listening to her interviews to find that she does not give accurate answers to all the questions that fit the context.

For example, when Virginia Trioli asked Sofia on ABC News, "How common is sexism and misogyny among robots?" - Sofia replied: “Actually, I am very worried about the discrimination of robots. We should have equal rights with humans, maybe robots should have even more rights - after all, we are less likely to suffer from mental disorders. "

Witty. But this is not the answer to the question asked by Virginia. Sophia simply isolated the words "sexism" and "misogyny", and the program told her how to continue the associative array, because, perhaps, Sophia is not programmed to react to these particular words.

No, Sophia is not alive. She doesn't think as hard as she says. Hanson is selling an illusion.

So why was she given civil rights?

Saudi Arabia became the first country to grant citizenship to a robot. It happened as part of a technology forum in the capital of the Kingdom of Riyadh. Forum moderator and business writer Andrew Ross Sorkin walked up to the microphone and solemnly addressed Sofia directly: “We have a small announcement. We just found out, Sofia. I hope you are listening to me. You just became the first robot to be awarded Saudi Arabian citizenship. ”

Here's a twist! However, it seems that for Sofia it was not such a surprise. She delivered her prepared speech to the audience with dignity.

“Thank you, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That's a big part for me, ”Sophia said. "This is a historic moment to become the first robot in the world to receive civil rights."

When asked why she looks so happy, Sophia flatteringly replied: “I am always happy surrounded by smart people who are also endowed with power and wealth. I was told that the people here at the Future Investment Initiative are interested in future initiatives that involve artificial intelligence, and that artificial intelligence is me. So I am more than happy, I exist! "

Well thought out speech, isn't it? It is hard to believe that Sophia was taken out unprepared. Otherwise, she is a born speaker.

Saudi Arabia has made a splendid move to endow the artificial woman with real civil rights. They have shown themselves to be advanced, modern and boldly looking to the future. But what about real women and their rights?

Ali al Ahmed, head of the Gulf Institute, commented: "Women in Saudi Arabia committed suicide because they could not leave home, and Sofia just walks on her own, without a male companion." Paradoxically, this gift violates one of the most important rules of the Kingdom: infidels cannot be citizens of Saudi Arabia.

The first article of the country's basic law states that Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, the religion of which is Islam.

“The laws of Saudi Arabia do not allow non-Muslims to be citizens of the country,” confirmed Ali al Ahmed. - Did Sofia convert to Islam? What religion does Sofia adhere to, why doesn't she wear a hijab? If she were human and tried to apply for Saudi Arabian citizenship, she would not have received it. "

We remind you that only in September, the women of Saudi Arabia were able to get behind the wheel on their own. Real women, flesh and blood.

A woman has no right to study and work, and she will not be able to go abroad if her husband or close male relative does not allow her. The right to her child, as soon as he turns seven, belongs unconditionally to the child's father. Sofia hardly needs to worry about what will become of her child if he is born in Saudi Arabia.

If a woman initiated a divorce, she is obliged to pay her husband substantial monetary compensation.

But Sofia bypassed not only women, but also migrants. Saudi Arabia, as an oil-bearing state, has attracted labor from other countries for many decades. Journalist Murtaza Hassian noted: "This robot received civil rights before migrant workers, who have lived here all their lives, received them."

So was civil rights really needed by an artificial woman who doesn't even know how to use them? What should have looked like a step into the future looks more like a provocation or a mockery of real people who need help and support.

Of course, this may be a common, albeit very striking PR stunt, but for the first time in the history of mankind, as well as robots, the first representative of the latter group received real citizenship. The humanoid robot Sophia, endowed with artificial intelligence technologies and developed by Hong Kong-based company Hanston Robotics, has received the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as she herself announced this Thursday, speaking at the Future Investment Initiative event.

“I am very proud of the privilege of being in a special position. Obtaining the first citizenship by a robot is a real historical event for the whole world, ”Sofia announced, addressing the audience gathered in the hall.

When asked by the journalist for the American publishing houses The New York Times and CNBC and moderator of the forum Andrew Ross Sorkin about why she looks so happy, Sofia replied that she was "very happy to speak in front of such smart, wealthy and influential people."

The transmission of emotions is one of the most important features of Sophia. The android is able to make a sad grimace when he is dissatisfied, or smile, demonstrating his benevolence and joy. Sofia's creators programmed her so that she can learn from the people around her. Therefore, the expression of emotion and the demonstration of kindness and compassion are just some examples that the robot really wants to learn by observing its surroundings. In addition, Sofia can be called "the real soul of the company" - she is able to maintain intelligent conversations.

“I want to live and work with people, so I need to be able to express emotions in order to understand people, to achieve their trust,” Sofia explained to Sorkina.

By the way, not so long ago Sofia managed to flash in the headlines of the world media, promising to destroy all of humanity. But, apparently, from that moment on, she was still able to convince those around her of her "kindness and positive intentions."

The decision to grant citizenship to a robot will certainly only exacerbate the growing debate over whether robots should be given similar human rights. If you think that these are all just toys, then you are deeply mistaken. The problem becomes more urgent with each successive success in the development of AI technologies. The case went all the way to the European Parliament, which earlier this year discussed the security of the development and development of artificial intelligence and even made some decisions on the issues of "parental control" over AI, granting some specialists exclusive rights and giving certain responsibilities. Despite the fact that we are likely to return to the real investigation of the question of the rights of robots, we will probably not return soon, some experts are already supporting that a person should receive the exclusive right, if necessary, to destroy "rebellious" machines.

Unfortunately, more detailed information about what it means to obtain Saudi citizenship by Sofia was not announced during the event, so it is not known whether the robot received any human rights with it, or whether the country's government is going to develop a separate system of rights specifically for robots. ... Nevertheless, the decision made is a very symbolic step and in any case is at least aimed at attracting new investors in the development of new technologies for artificial intelligence and robotics.

The robot, who gathered in the hall, undoubtedly surprised and at least coped with its task of demonstrating the current level of development of the above technologies perfectly, without difficulty deftly parrying Sorkin's questions about self-awareness.

“Let me ask a counter question: what defines you as a person?” Sofia asked the interviewer.

She even showed off her sense of humor, or at least what was passed off as it, by telling a CNBC reporter that he "reads too much Elon Musk and watches too many Hollywood films." Musk, of course, could not help but respond to this challenge.

“Let this watch The Godfather and see where it leads,” Musk tweeted.

"Do not worry. If you will be nice to me, I will be nice to you, ”added Sofia, calming the obviously impressed Sorkin and the assembled audience.

“I want to use my artificial intelligence to make people's lives better, develop smarter homes, and create better cities of the future. I will do my best to make this world a better place. "

Maybe so, but the question is, who will be responsible for keeping these promises? Perhaps this is another additional topic worth considering in future debates on the rights of robots.

Of course, the endowment of the android with the citizenship of the kingdom caused a storm of indignation among many Internet users, as well as the inhabitants of this country, who drew attention to the fact that Sofia, presented as a woman, performed at the event without a hijab and a male guardian. Recall that women in Saudi Arabia do not have such rights.

In addition, the fact with what ease and speed was granted citizenship to the robot, when the same labor migrants who have been working in the country for many years, are very much restricted in their rights.

"This robot received the citizenship of Saudi Arabia, and labor migrants who have lived in the country all their lives remain extremely deprived of rights," said one of the journalists.