RIYADH – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has granted citizenship to a robot.
The robot named Sophia was confirmed as a Saudi citizen during a business event in Riyadh last week, according to an official Saudi press release.
The move is an attempt to promote Saudi Arabia as a place to develop artificial intelligence – and, presumably, allow it to become a full citizen, according to Khaleej Times.
“We just learnt, Sophia; I hope you are listening to me, you have been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot,” said panel moderator and business writer Andrew Ross Sorkin.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/viral/worlds-first-robocop-reports-for-duty-at-burj-khalifa/
Basking in the attention, the robot then thanked the country. “Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am very honoured and proud for this unique distinction,” Sophia told the panel.
“It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognised with citizenship.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMrX08PxUNY
Sorkin later asked Sophia a series of questions. “Good afternoon, my name is Sophia and I am the latest and greatest robot from Hanson Robotics. Thank you for having me here at the Future Investment Initiative,” she said.
Our @andrewrsorkin, interviewing “Sophia” the robot, of Hanson Robotics:@CNBC @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/Dzw8jS5YSB
— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) October 25, 2017
