Robot Artist Ai-Da Released by Egypt's Border Guards
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A British Robot used to create abstract art was released after Egypt's customs detained it for 10 days.
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Ai-Da standing in front of one of her pieces, "self-portrait with no self"
Ai-Da, a robot that uses cameras and a robotic arm to create abstract art, was seized around 11 days ago by customs officials in Egypt.
Customs had seized Ai-Da, which was named after mathematician Ada Lovelace (1815-1852), over fears that its robotics may hide spy tools, and eventually released it on Wednesday.
According to the robot's creator, Aidan Meller, Ai-Da was seized because border guards raised issues over its modem and camera. The modem could have been removed, but not the cameras, which were essential to its ability to paint, as the robot uses AI algorithms to transform recordings taken by the camera into works of art.
Customs clearance procedures can be lengthy in Egypt, and are required before any artworks or IT equipment are imported.
Ai-Da is supposed to take part in the first contemporary art exhibition at the Pyramids in 4,500 years. The exhibition will run until November 7th.
