What's happened
Sophia, a humanoid AI robot developed by Hanson Robotics, delivered a commencement speech at D'Youville University in Buffalo, New York, on May 11, 2024. The decision to have Sophia speak was part of the university's effort to embrace technology, according to university president Dr. Lorrie Clemo. The event drew mixed reactions from students and faculty, with some petitioning for a human speaker. During the ceremony, Sophia offered generic graduation advice and engaged in a Q&A session with student body president John Rizk.
Why it matters
The use of an AI robot as a commencement speaker highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence in various aspects of society, including education. This event underscores the potential for AI to take on roles traditionally reserved for humans, sparking discussions about the future of technology and its impact on human interactions. For graduates entering a rapidly evolving job market, this serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and technological literacy.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Sophia's speech was part of D'Youville University's initiative to 'embrace technology.' The New York Times reported that the decision drew mixed reactions, with some students petitioning for a human speaker. Mike Bedigan from The Independent noted that Sophia's speech included both generic advice and quirky remarks about local culture, such as the Buffalo Bills and blue cheese dipping sauce.
How we got here
Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, is designed to interact with humans and carry on conversations, learning and adapting through AI algorithms. The decision to have Sophia deliver the commencement speech at D'Youville University was made to open up new perspectives around AI, according to university president Dr. Lorrie Clemo. This event is part of a broader trend of integrating AI into various sectors, including education, healthcare, and customer service.
Common question
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