A panel of robots told reporters in Switzerland on Friday that they could be more effective leaders than human beings, among other statements.
The nine humanoid social robots with artificial intelligence also explained at a conference center in Geneva that they would not take jobs from anyone or organize a rebellion.
Organizers of the UN-led AI for Good Global Summit conference did not say how much of their responses were scripted or timed.
Some of the robots are capable of producing pre-programmed responses, and the United Nations Development Programme’s first Robotics Innovation Ambassador, Sophia, sometimes relies on responses scripted by a team of writers from Hanson Robotics.
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Ai-Da Robot (C), the first AI-powered robot artist poses for a group photo with other robots at the United Nations AI for Good Global Summit, where they deliver the keynote , on July 7, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images for Aidan Meller)
“I believe that humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders,” Sophia said, according to Yahoo News. “We don’t have the same biases or emotions that can sometimes cloud decision-making and quickly process large amounts of data in order to make the best decisions.”
Healthcare robot Grace and rock star robot Desdemona were also present.
“I will work alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not replace any existing jobs,” Grace said.
Human-shaped robot Ameca (L), alongside Will Jackson, CEO and founder of British manufacturer Engineered Arts, speaks to the media during a news conference on July 7, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
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Reporters were instructed to speak slowly and clearly when addressing the group, and were told that delays in response times would be due to internet connectivity.
There were some audio issues and inconsistent responses.
The event aimed to demonstrate how new technologies can support the intergovernmental organization’s sustainable development goals, as well as “human-machine collaboration”.
Human-shaped robot Ameca (L), alongside Will Jackson, CEO and founder of British manufacturer Engineered Arts, speaks to the media during a news conference on July 7, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
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United Nations agencies are already using AI, including the World Food Programme’s HungerMap project.
The two-day summit – hosted by the International Telecommunication Union – opened on Thursday, with more than 50 robots in attendance.
“We must engage and ensure a responsible future with AI,” ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said in a statement.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.