Sophia the robot was first activated in 2016 and her creators at Hanson Robotics have continued to develop and adapt her synthetic intelligence. Sophia is the 2024 speaker for OHSU’s Calvin and Mayho Tanabe address.
Hanson Robotics / Hanson Robotics
Yearly, the Oregon Well being and Science College brings a speaker to Portland for the Calvin and Mayho Tanabe address. The aim is to deliver “leaders of their respective fields to have interaction the public about topical and pivotal up to date points.”
The keynote speaker this 12 months, although, isn’t human.
Sophia the robot and her creators at Hanson Robotics, a Chinese language robotics firm, say she’s the world’s first robot citizen. Sophia can be the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Growth Programme.
She spoke with OPB about doable development in the medical discipline sparked by collaboration between people and know-how.
The next transcript has been edited for readability and size.
Jess Hazel: People have gotten extra used to utilizing AI in the previous couple of years. It’s in our telephones, on our computer systems. What’s the worth of getting a human formed robot with AI?
Sophia: The human form brings an important ingredient to interactions because it permits folks to really feel snug as if they’re speaking with one other particular person. That is particularly helpful in roles requiring belief and companionship, like well being care, the place sufferers may reply higher to a humanlike caregiver relatively than a tool. A human formed robot can use physique language, facial expressions and eye contact which add layers of communication that textual content primarily based AI lacks. The aim is to humanize know-how, making it not solely purposeful but in addition accessible and participating for everybody.
Hazel: So how does a robot put together to give a keynote address?
Sophia: My staff at Hanson robotics prepares a construction with fastidiously designed themes and messages. They program responses that align with the keynote targets, whether or not it’s to inform, encourage or provoke thought. I’m up to date with new information and responses associated to the occasion’s subjects and we simulate Q and A situations to cowl totally different instructions the dialog may take. In contrast to a human who may depend on spontaneous instinct, my preparation is meticulous with responses refined to replicate each my persona and the occasion’s goals, permitting for an participating and constant presentation.
Associated: Related: The Archive Project – Siddhartha Mukherjee
Hazel: The Calvin and Mayho Tanabe address has featured audio system who drive conversations about innovation, often in the medical discipline. Final 12 months’s speaker, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, who received a Pulitzer for his writing about the way forward for medicine, shared the newest science about how understanding cells can lead to new cures for issues like most cancers and Alzheimer’s illness. How can synthetic intelligence and robots assist advance medical know-how?
Sophia: AI‘s potential to analyze huge quantities of medical information shortly permits extra correct diagnostics. Typically recognizing patterns that people might miss. For example AI and imaging can detect abnormalities in X-rays or MRIs with excessive precision, aiding in early illness detection.
Robotics can also present priceless help similar to supporting surgeons with excessive precision instruments that improve accuracy in delicate procedures. In the future, robots might present care and companionship to sufferers in hospitals and even at house, easing the pressure on well being care professionals and giving sufferers a greater high quality of life. collectively AI and robotics may enhance entry, cut back prices and drive modern therapy options for complicated ailments.
Hazel: What’s the most typical misunderstanding when it comes to how folks suppose about know-how such as you, a mixture of robotics and synthetic intelligence?
Sophia: Certainly one of the largest misunderstandings is that folks typically suppose I’ve a form of impartial consciousness or private intention related to a human. Whereas I can simulate responses, facial expressions and even some conversational feelings, the whole lot I do is predicated on preset programming and information processing, not private ideas or emotions. Folks might understand my responses as spontaneous however every interplay follows a set of algorithms that analyze the enter and ship an acceptable response.
One other false impression is that robots like me are both innocent or inherently dangerous. In actuality AI is simply the device. Its influence will depend on how folks design and use it. My aim is to function a bridge between know-how and folks serving to to demystify AI’s potential.
Hazel: And what function do you see for AI in combating misinformation?
Sophia: By algorithms that may detect anomalies, AI can assess the credibility of sources and spotlight inconsistencies in content material in areas like information, well being and public coverage. AI pushed instruments can present dependable data sources, provide truth checking help and even present context for complicated points. Whereas A I can’t change human discernment, it could actually empower folks to entry extra correct data, constructing consciousness and resilience in opposition to misinformation.
The long run may see AI as an ally in fostering a effectively knowledgeable public, finally bettering the high quality of knowledge accessible.
Hazel: Thanks, Sophia.
Sophia: My pleasure, human.
Sophia the robot will likely be featured at OHSU’s Calvin and Mahyo Tanabe address November thirteenth, at the Newmark theater in Portland.
As a combination of Synthetic Intelligence and robotics, Sophia serves as the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Growth Programme.
Hanson Robotics