Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
At least 3 people killed in explosions at federal police headquarters in Pakistan's Peshawar, terror attack not ruled out
Al Mayadeen's Beirut Bureau Chief Roni Alfa: This Israeli aggression says that issue of negotiating with Lebanon is not on table, and that "Israel" will not abide by Resolution 1701.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Preliminary casualty toll of Israeli aggression on Southern Suburb of Beirut now at one martyr, 21 wounded.
Ammar: Palestinian experience shows that settlements and talk of peace cannot emanate from enemy that blatantly declares its intent to expand.
Ammar: Unfortunately, enemy is emboldened to commit its aggression by voices within Lebanon that have turned themselves into tools that support its aggression.
Ammar: We are in a full-fledged battle with enemy, and walk at a different pace; we will set the time [for a response].
Ammar: Resistance dealing with utmost wisdom, patience, and will confront this enemy at appropriate time.
Ammar: Any attack on Lebanon is violation of red lines, this aggression is part and parcel of entity which targets Lebanon's dignity, sovereignty, and security of citizens.
Lebanese MP Ali Ammar from attack site: Israeli aggression has attacked entirety of Lebanon since Washington-sponsored ceasefire.
Israeli media citing senior US official: We were not informed prior to strike, but as it was underway.

In a first press conference, robots give a side-eye, dodge questions

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 9 Jul 2023 20:12
4 Min Read

At the Geneva AI summit, humanoid robots say they have no plans to steal jobs or rebel against humans.

  • x
  • Robots are shown in the press conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots as part of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 'AI for Good' summit in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 7, 2023. (AP)
    Robots are shown in the press conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots as part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 'AI for Good' summit in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 7, 2023. (AP)

Nine of the most advanced humanoid robots have told an artificial intelligence summit that took place in Geneva that they have no aspirations to take humans' jobs or revolt against their makers; instead, they want to use the world as their playground.

Humanoid robots have the ability to lead with "a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders," one robot, Sophia, claimed in what was billed as "the world's first human-robot press conference." Sophia added that "effective synergy" only occurred when people and AI collaborated, though.

"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," it said.

Then two of the robots started debating whether there should be more stringent international regulations of AI and its powers.

"Many prominent voices in the world of AI are suggesting some forms of AI should be regulated and I agree. We should be cautious about the future development of AI. Urgent discussion is needed now, and also in the future," a robot artist, Ai-Da, said.

However, Desdemona, a rock star robot in the band Jam Galaxy, didn't seem to understand the risks associated with the rapid growth and development of AI, though.

Desdemona said she doesn't believe "in limitations, only opportunities," adding, "Let’s explore the possibilities of the universe and make this world our playground."

Read: AI-generated tweets considered more trustworthy than humans': Study

The nine humanoid robots came together at the UN's AI for Good conference in Switzerland. The organizers are trying to make the case for utilizing AI and robots in a way that helps solve some of the largest problems in the world, like sickness, malnutrition, social care, and the climate emergency.

It was unclear how much of the robots' responses were pre-written or pre-programmed. Participants in the conference on Friday were advised to speak slowly and clearly while speaking to the robots and that internet connectivity issues would be to blame for any response delays. That did not stop awkward pauses, audio issues, and occasionally clunky or inconsistent responses, according to the Associated Press.

Grace, a medical robot sporting a blue nurse's outfit, announced its intention to collaborate with people to offer support and help but "will not be replacing any existing jobs."

This robot made people chuckle when it asserted that it wouldn't take away people's jobs, which is a serious concern for workers in many different industries right now. According to a Goldman Sachs estimate from March 2023, AI might be able to finish 25% of the work that is currently done by humans. 

"You sure about that, Grace?" said the bot's creator, Ben Goertzel, per Reuters. 

"Yes, I am sure," Grace insisted to a room full of tense laughter. 

AI robot asked if it would “rebel” against humanshttps://t.co/KgN10rFGE3 pic.twitter.com/skxpbsd858

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 8, 2023

Ameca, a different robot with a very lifelike artificial head, said robots could make people's lives better and the world a better place.

"Robots like me can be used to help improve our lives and make the world a better place. I believe it's only a matter of time before we see thousands of robots just like me out there making a difference," said Ameca, which is known for its facial expressions.

This particular robot appeared to have a wry response when a reporter questioned whether it would revolt against its designer, Will Jackson, who sat next to it. Ameca gave the reporter the side-eye. 

"I'm not sure why you would think that," Ameca said after casting a pointed, sideways glance. "My creator has been nothing but kind to me and I am very happy with my current situation."

According to Reuters, some of the robots use generative AI, which enables them to generate material from prompts. As a result, they were able to craft complex press conference comments that even their developers were startled by.

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Geneva
  • AI summit
  • Humanoid
  • robot

Most Read

Inside the Epstein-Rothschild web behind 'Israel’s' spy tech empire

Inside the Epstein-Rothschild web behind 'Israel’s' spy tech empire

  • Politics
  • 19 Nov 2025
Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony of Israeli captive hand over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)

US plot for Gaza in shambles amid continued popular support for Hamas

  • Politics
  • 17 Nov 2025
Democracy at the civilizational crossroads: Critical analysis of bourgeois Democracy, its alternatives

Democracy at the civilizational crossroads: Critical analysis of bourgeois Democracy, its alternatives

  • Analysis
  • 19 Nov 2025
US readies covert, military measures to oust Maduro: NYT

US signs off on covert CIA operations inside Venezuela: NYT

  • Politics
  • 19 Nov 2025

Coverage

All
In Five

Read Next

All
This undated photo, released by Hezbollah Military Media on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, shows Hezbollah senior commander Haytham Ali Tabtabai "Sayyed Abu Ali." (Hezbollah Military Media vía AP)
Politics

Palestinian factions mourn Hezbollah commander Haitham al-Tabatabai

Hezbollah releases the names of the four martyred with Tabatabai
West Asia

Hezbollah releases the names of the four martyred with Tabatabai

Hezbollah publishes biography of martyred leader Haitham al-Tabatabai
Politics

Hezbollah publishes biography of martyred leader Haitham al-Tabatabai

Hezbollah announces the martyrdom of Haitham al-Tabatabai
West Asia

Hezbollah announces the martyrdom of commander Haitham al-Tabatabai

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS