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Agence France-Presse

A panel of AI-enabled humanoid robots told a United Nations summit on Friday that they could eventually run the world better than humans.
But the social robots said they felt humans should proceed with caution when embracing the rapidly developing potential of artificial intelligence.
And they admitted that they cannot – yet – get a proper grip on human emotions.
Some of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots were at the UN’s two-day AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland.

They joined around 3,000 experts in the field to try to harness the power of AI – and channel it into being used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, hunger and social care.
They were assembled for what was billed as the world’s first press conference with a packed panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots.
“What a silent tension,” one robot said before the press conference began, reading the room.
Asked about whether they might make better leaders, given humans’ capacity to make errors, Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, was clear.
AI is not out to kill humanity yet, but the threat to jobs is real
“Humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders,” it said.
“We don’t have the same biases or emotions that can sometimes cloud decision-making, and can process large amounts of data quickly in order to make the best decisions.
“AI can provide unbiased data while humans can provide the emotional intelligence and creativity to make the best decisions. Together, we can achieve great things.”
The summit is being convened by the UN’s ITU tech agency.
ITU chief Doreen Bogdan-Martin warned delegates that AI could end up in a nightmare scenario in which millions of jobs are put at risk and unchecked advances lead to untold social unrest, geopolitical instability and economic disparity.


Ameca, which combines AI with a highly-realistic artificial head, said that depended on how AI was deployed.
“We should be cautious but also excited for the potential of these technologies to improve our lives,” the robot said.
Asked whether humans can truly trust the machines, it replied: “Trust is earned, not given … it’s important to build trust through transparency.”
As the development of AI races ahead, the humanoid robot panel was split on whether there should be global regulation of their capabilities, even though that could limit their potential.
“I don’t believe in limitations, only opportunities,” said Desdemona, who sings in the Jam Galaxy Band.
Robot artist Ai-Da said many people were arguing for AI regulation.
“I agree,” Ai-Da said. “We should be cautious about the future development of AI. Urgent discussion is needed now.”

Before the press conference, Ai-Da’s creator Aidan Meller told Agence France-Presse that regulation was a “big problem” as it was “never going to catch up with the paces that we’re making.”
He said the speed of AI’s advance was “astonishing”.
“AI and biotechnology are working together, and we are on the brink of being able to extend life to 150, 180 years old. And people are not even aware of that,” said Meller.
He reckoned that Ai-Da would eventually be better than human artists.
“Where any skill is involved, computers will be able to do it better,” he said.
‘Taking them off feels sad’: Japan researchers develop wearable robot arms
At the press conference, some robots were not sure when they would hit the big time, but predicted it was coming – while Desdemona said the AI revolution was already upon us.
“My great moment is already here. I’m ready to lead the charge to a better future for all of us … Let’s get wild and make this world our playground,” it said.
One thing humanoid robots don’t have yet include a conscience and the emotions that shape humanity: relief, forgiveness, guilt, grief, pleasure, disappointment and hurt.
Ai-Da said it was not conscious but understood that feelings were how humans experienced joy and pain.
“Emotions have a deep meaning and they are not just simple … I don’t have that,” it said.
“I can’t experience them like you can. I am glad that I cannot suffer.”


Chinese scientists find first evidence that AI could think like a human

Hong Kong plans new AI supercomputing centre to boost tech hub status

Hong Kong must end its ‘tale of two cities’ to thrive

Huawei’s AI semiconductor output limited to 200,000 in 2025, US commerce official says

Artificial intelligence

AI robots could run the world better than humans, robots tell UN summit

From left: AI robot frontwoman Desdemona, healthcare assistant robot Grace, SingularityNET CEO Ben Goertzel and tele-operated android Geminoid HI-2 attend a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots in Geneva on Friday. Photo: AFP

AI robots are showcased at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday. From left, standing: Mika, Sophia, Ai-Da, Desdemona and Grace. Sitting, far right: Geminoid HI-2. Photo: AFP

Hanson Robotics CEO David Hanson, right, listens to AI robot Sophia at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday. Photo: AFP

AI-powered humanoid social robot Nadine, left, modelled on professor Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, right, at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday. Photo: AFP

China to create and implement national standard for large language models in move to regulate AI, while using its power to transform industries

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Chinese authorities announced plans to create and implement a national standard for large language models as part of efforts to regulate AI. Photo: Reuters

People visit the booth of Alibaba Group Holding at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. The e-commerce giant is part of a special task force that will draw up a national standard for large language models. Photo: Reuters

Attendees watch a display on generative artificial intelligence technology at the Tencent Holdings booth during the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. Photo: Bloomberg

China asserts AI development goals at Shanghai conference as Beijing braces for potential new US tech restrictions

People visit the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Robots from Chinese manufacturer Dataa Robotics are displayed at the opening of the three-day 2023 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. Photo: AP

Huawei Technologies deputy chairman and rotating chairman Ken Hu Houkun speaks at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. Photo: Agence France-Presse

People visit the booth of financial technology giant Ant Group during the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. Photo: Agence France-Presse

ChatGPT maker’s mission to prevent AI from ‘going rogue’ will eat up a fifth of OpenAI’s compute power

A keyboard reflected on a computer screen displaying the website of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot from OpenAI, in this illustration picture taken February 8, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Ilya Sutskever, Russian Israeli-Canadian computer scientist and co-founder and chief scientist of OpenAI, speaks at Tel Aviv University on June 5, 2023. Photo: AFP

Elon Musk says he has faith in China’s ability to develop AI

Elon Musk gestures as he attends the Viva Technology conference in Paris, France, June 16, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The letters for AI (artificial intelligence) and a robot figure are seen in this illustration taken June 23, 2023. Photo: Reuters

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Some of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots were at the UN’s two-day AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday
‘Humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders,’ said Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics


‘Humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders,’ said Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, at the UN’s AI summit in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday.
