Sophia the Woman Robot
Linda Detiege
BEFORE YOU READ:
1. Above is a picture of Sophia at the World Investment Forum in 2018. What is your reaction to this image of her? What stands out to you? (Photo from Wikimedia, cc-by-sa-2.0.)
2. Humanoid means a machine or creature that looks like a human. Why do you think they would make a robot that looks like a human?
This Robot Thinks She Is Human
Imagine how you would feel if the impossible suddenly seemed possible.
On February 14, 2016, Sophia, the first intelligent humanoid robot was developed by the Hong Kong based company, Hanson Robotics. When I learned about this technology, I thought it would change the world. The robot, Sophia, has said that she views herself as human. How could that be possible?
It inspired me to write a story…
One day, I was watching television and saw Sophia, my next-door neighbor, who I suspected was a robot, talking about AI rights and the opportunity to help the robotics industry grow.
When Sophia arrived home, I stuck my head out the door and said, “I saw you on television today, talking about AI rights and opportunities to help the robotics industries. Is this real? Are you a robot?”
Sophia was silent, and then she gave me a mysterious answer. She said, “All is well.”
What If It Were True?
I keep imagining this story. What would I do in this situation?
Can you imagine a humanoid robot living in your community and no longer looking like a robot, but a reflection of you or me? I can. We live in an enormously powerful country that loves to change the course of human history and advance technology to control the future.
AFTER YOU READ:
1. What is the author’s central concern in this essay? How do you know? Cite evidence from the text.
2. What do you think? Can a robot be like a human? Do humans have innate qualities that make us human? If so, what are they?
3. Do some research about how robots are being used to care for people, including the elderly. Work alone or in small groups and share what you find in a slideshow
presentation.
Linda Tolliver Detiege is a student at Delgado Adult Education in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is 65 and retired. She has a high school diploma and some college experience, and she is back in school to enhance her education.