In a historic event at the AI for Good 2023 global summit, the United Nations (UN) tech agency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), organized a press conference featuring a panel of robots and their creators. The conference aimed to address pressing questions from journalists regarding job automation, AI leadership, and human collaboration in shaping a better future.
During the conference held in Geneva from July 4-7, an audience witnessed the presence of nine advanced robots, including Sophia, the first robot innovation ambassador for the U.N. Development Program, a healthcare provider robot named Grace, and the captivating rock star robot Desdemona. While some responses were pre-programmed, the robots delivered remarkably solid statements.
Sophia, created by Hanson Robotics, occasionally relied on scripted answers developed by a team of writers. Although it was not explicitly mentioned which answers were scripted, reporters were instructed to speak clearly and slowly to facilitate question processing by the robots. When asked about the potential of AI-powered robots in governance, Sophia expressed her belief that humanoid robots could lead with greater efficiency and effectiveness due to their lack of biases or emotions that might cloud decision-making. She emphasized the value of collaboration between humans and robots to achieve great things.
Another robot, Amica from Engineered Arts, highlighted the importance of trust-building through transparent communication between humans and machines as AI systems become more powerful. While admitting that no one can guarantee complete honesty, Amica promised to always be truthful. Grace, the healthcare robot, reassured the audience that she would work alongside humans instead of replacing existing jobs, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
The aim of this groundbreaking conference was to showcase the capabilities and limitations of AI and robotics while exploring how these technologies can further the goals of the UN and promote human-machine collaboration. With concerns about AI replacing human labor, events like these provide an opportunity to address misconceptions and foster a better understanding of the potential roles AI can play in various fields.
As governments worldwide grapple with the implications of AI, such initiatives become increasingly important. By bringing together experts, creators, and robots, the UN aims to shape an inclusive future where technology complements human efforts rather than replaces them.