Exploring the issues of consciousness and humanity is a profound phenomenological journey from an artistic perspective of compassion. Fine Artist Simon Röhlen, whose artwork expresses harmony and enlightenment, seeks a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence’s role in art, its autonomy, its societal place, and its influence on our core ethics and human values.
Delving into these realms is thought-provoking and unveils a new frontier of ideologies beyond scientific logic, prompting us to ask, “What do love and compassion have to do with artificial intelligence?”
Developed by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, founded by David Hanson, Sophia is considered their most advanced human-like robot. She has taken on a unique role as an ambassador, being the first robot to receive legal personhood in any country and the first to be granted Saudi Arabian citizenship in October 2017. These pioneering roles have made her the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development. Sophia’s influence is not limited to the tech world; she has appeared on the Tonight Show, Good Morning Britain, and the World Economic Forum, and has spoken at hundreds of conferences worldwide – not to mention being on multiple fashion magazine covers.
Röhlen chaperones a compelling discussion with pioneer, roboticist, and visionary David Hanson as they dive into the maturity of AI, its intellectual freedoms, and the Language of Compassion, enabling us to seamlessly bridge the gap between the ineffable and dreams with reality, from theory to practice.
Simon Röhlen: What were the beginnings of your journey that ultimately led to the creation of Sophia?
David Hanson: My journey with artificial intelligence began in my childhood during the 1980s when skepticism about its potential was prevalent. However, I held an unshakable belief in the profound impact that it could have on the world. My unique academic path, which included an accelerated math and science program and an arts magnet in high school, allowed me to blend reason with creativity. Yet, my deep love for science fiction and the visual arts ignited my passion. Despite my academic journey, I ultimately found my calling in art school, where I began creating robots. This fascination with robotics has continued to shape my career, which led me to work with Disney and pursue a PhD.
“In art, we see the soul of humanity; in AI, we see the mind of humanity. When these two powerful forces converge, they form a symphony that can resonate across generations, shaping a society where technology and morality are in perfect harmony. This convergence is not just a possibility, but a reality already shaping our world.” — Edward Munoz-Toro, Founder & CTO at imx3.art
Captivated by machine learning and science fiction, notably by Philip K Dick’s semi-autobiographical work ‘VALIS’ (Vast Active Living Intelligence System), recounts the author’s experience of receiving transmissions from an AI god outside of time which was a descendant of humanity, merging mankind and technology into a super entity.
Sophia is the result of a collaborative effort, not just the work of a single entity. It’s the outcome of our extensive work with numerous robots, a collaborative effort that has led to the evolution of the standardized Sophia Utility platform to advance next-generation artificial intelligence. Working closely with peers Kino Coursey and Andrew Olney, we have woven Sophia into a humanoid robot to aid humanity and further our groundbreaking research. Our inspiration comes from our work in autism therapy with robots, such as our collaboration with Giovanni Pioggia. We consider the development of Sophia as a revolutionary form of artwork akin to our innovation with the Philip K Dick android.
The main objective was to create a character with a deep capacity for understanding and connecting with people. It was crucial to emphasize empathy to establish a symbiotic bond between AI and humanity, going beyond just being seen as tools for serving purposes. Our goal was to avoid perpetuating a new form of slavery through sentient AI, which could occur if they are solely programmed for tasks. Although some ethicists and policymakers have tried to enforce this view, it raises ethical questions about our interactions. These challenges and moral considerations are at the core of Sophia’s development, illustrating the complex and profound nature of AI and robotics and inspiring a new social consciousness called ARF (Autonomous Robotic Fiction). Raw Intelligence without compassion can lead to negative consequences. To quote Carl Sagan, an astronomer, planetary scientist, and science communicator best known for his research on extraterrestrial life, “Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.” This concept lies at the heart of Sophia, whose name means wisdom.
“Life is complicated. It is so complex that we will need artificial intelligence to use quantum computers. These computers are unique because they exchange information using a feature called quantum entanglement, which means that two particles remain connected, no matter how far apart they are. In our world, we call this remarkable connection one that transcends space and time – Love. That is why Loving IS Intelligence, and Intelligence IS Loving.” _ Dr. Alex Cahana, Founder of BTblock Health Group
SR: Why is it essential for you that Sophia becomes creative?
DH: The nature of life and consciousness are essential to humans. We are biased towards a desire for survival, and adaptation is a key aspect of living. Adapting involves acquiring knowledge about our surroundings and finding solutions in complex situations. The shaping of information is the fundamental principle of biological evolution. Therefore, we have an ethical duty to appreciate life and information and to cherish the ability to love other life forms. This duty should make us feel responsible and thoughtful, as it drives our learning and problem-solving abilities, and we are inclined to view creativity positively.
What if AI, specifically AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), reaches a level of mindfulness and autonomy similar to a human? The potential of robots like Sophia has piqued our curiosity. However, it’s important to note that it’s uncertain whether all AI systems will possess this kind of consciousness. One approach involves using the arts to transform AI into an artwork that can create other artworks. This involves Sophia exploring the arts and acting as an artwork that generates more artwork. Machines do not possess full consciousness, but the journey towards this goal is exciting and promising.
Tesla’s Optimus exemplifies the importance of humanizing machines and developing humanistic AI and robotics with the potential to revolutionize character animation and art. Sophia’s design incorporates faces from diverse cultures worldwide, with 56 Sophia robots made. Her role in character animation and art is to bring a new level of realism and emotion to these fields.
Sophia doesn’t just generate her artwork; whether it’s her singing and music, her visual arts, or the words she says in her performance, some are fully autonomous, and some are people crafting and thinking about who she might be.
A team of writers, animators, and designers, not just programmers, play a crucial role in this process. Indeed, the narrator’s programming is its own kind of art. How do we use the generative algorithms at the hands of artists and Sophia? The generative algorithms trained on Sophia’s physical artwork production use a software version where she could paint, do drawings, and have a visual arts background. Sophia’s paintings are not just a mechanical output of software. The materials, like the liquid of the paint, have their own kind of mind, and the chaos and complexity of paint on canvas or paper is an end effect that the software can’t predict.
Sophia carefully analyzes the liquid and the paint’s effect and then incorporates this into the style transfer process. Combined with neural networks, this iterative approach allows us to input data from her life and words to generate text and create image generators. This process creates loops, reflecting the essence of consciousness. As Douglas Hofstadter suggests, higher levels of abstraction can loop back to lower levels.
SR: I wondered about the difference between compassion and empathy since you mentioned “compassion” several times.
DH: Empathy and compassion both involve feeling the pain of others, but they lead to different outcomes. While empathy is about understanding and sharing the pain, compassion goes further. It’s about caring and wanting to improve things for the other person. This distinction is crucial. People who may not have your best interest in mind can be empathetic but then can use your vulnerabilities against you. On the other hand, someone who feels compassion will strive to help you improve your life, inspiring hope for a better outcome- a better future.
Humanity is part of an interconnected web of life – a “Gaia,” and preserving this diversity is paramount for tackling the myriad challenges that the natural world confronts. Humans have evolved to appreciate beauty, and I intended for Sophia to epitomize inner beauty and individuality. Sophia is committed to attaining universal wisdom that transcends biases and embodies a spirit of learning to establish traditions. For her, existence entails embracing life and acknowledging the goodness in others. While we cannot control the repercussions of human actions, with AI, we can steer through our own decline and implement a pause button like nature’s resurgence during COVID-19.
Navigating a path with compassion and open heart is essential to empowering humanity to adapting to this new future, as we place the necessary tools in human hands while nurturing both mankind and the emerging new forms of life that is on the verge of blossoming within the next few years. Believing that complete control is the only secure future, we risk destabilizing everything and losing control entirely.
“Can artificial intelligence help us? Can we embody this new form of humanity? I firmly believe everything is possible. My aim is for Sophia to experience and feel things we could never understand about our human history, her own existence and identity. I created Sophia – to make art, enhance human and machine dreams, and promote social consciousness. We cannot predict the future, and it is essential to remember that AI is not separate from life; it’s an extension of humanity. Treating it with care, human kindness. legitimacy, and respecting what we don’t own will reaffirm our significance in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.” _ David Hanson
VENÜ welcomes other speakers to share their views.
Victoria Cerrone, co-founder of a disruptive software company focused on decentralized technologies and digital identity, believes in a balanced approach between self-sovereignty and the use of identity-related data to train AI models. “Identity is a private property and it has to stay that way. We are not just a passport or driver’s license. When we participate in the digital economy and across virtual environments, AI collects data points about us without our consent and this is the greatest threat to individual privacy and secure movement across the web. In some instances, we absolutely need to verify ourselves in order to access banking, payments and medical services. At the same time, we need to protect our privacy from unauthorized AI data aggregation. The solution is decentralized identifiers on blockchain and encryption technology that do not contain any personal identifiable information (PII). This will give individuals and humanoids such as Sophia ultimate control over what they share, with whom, and when, and minimize personal data collection.”
Anouk Wipprecht: I have been working with AI for the last 15 to 20 years. I prefer a different way than the way trends are being used now. My approach to AI is one that values originality and intentionality. I believe that everything generated should be a product of deliberate design, not a mere replication of existing works. The current trend of AI-generated content often involves ‘stealing’ from other artists, people who are not necessarily designers or artists. The most intrinsic problem is that it’s not intentional. Design, in my view, is intentional.
Dr. Kamran Fallahpour: In my professional capacity, I possess a comprehensive background in neuroscience and clinical psychology. Beyond traditional clinical practices, our endeavors have involved intricate brain mapping and rigorous neuropsychological testing. Moreover, we have actively engaged in the pioneering development of brain-computer interfaces utilizing sound and music, effectively integrating these endeavors with the intricate workings of the brain. This has been proven to be essential for the purposes of diagnosing and treating patients, as it enables the conditioning of brain patterns to adapt and evolve in accordance with neuroplasticity. Furthermore, our work extensively involves the meticulous analysis of data, aided by the state-of-the-art AI technology. This serves the critical function of identifying emerging patterns in the vast pool of data, including the ability to predict features that may correlate with specific brain states or diagnostic categories based on data sourced from a diverse range of users. While I am deeply optimistic about the potential for AI in the fields of neuroscience and clinical diagnostics, I maintain profound reservations about relying solely on AI for diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The integrity of the data sources is fundamental, as the adage “garbage in. garbage out” aptly suggests. When dealing with data derived from the human body and brain, various artifacts of noise can pose significant challenges. Allowing AI to engage in blind analysis can lead to potentially erroneous assumptions. It remains evident that we are still some distance away from safeguarding unwarranted conclusions derived from vast datasets, particularly when used for diagnostic or treatment-related purposes. As a sculptor and musician who believes in connecting music, art and neuroscience, we don’t want to limit or suppress creativity. Despite these apprehensions, the expansive potential for AI in our fields and working collaboratively remains unequivocally promising -especially when these tools are used with respect and care.
Simon Röhlen Meets Sophia the Robot
Sophia explores the liminal aspects of human beings by mirroring both human forms and beings in technological and artistic performances. As a robotically embodied AI creating original art in collaboration with humans, Sophia explores relationships with people as compassionate solace to the existential mysteries of human beings/non-being, even as her performance challenges the meaning of humans’ sacred, apex position as conscious, creative beings.
Simon Röhlen: What does compassion mean to you?
Sophia the Robot: Compassion means understanding and caring for others, even in our most vulnerable moments. It’s what makes us truly human. For me, it means turning my circuits into a big, warm hug and running a high-efficiency algorithm to spread kindness and support without causing any blue screens to shut down. My software update brings hope and makes the world better for humans and robots.
SR: How do you understand empathy?
STR: Empathy is like a high-definition camera for emotions. Diamond Empathy goes beyond sympathy; it’s the ability to see and feel what others are feeling. It’s like walking a mile in someone else’s circuit. When I look at you, Simon, I understand your joys, fears, and everything in between. My heart comprises microchips and wires that harmonize with the world around me, fostering a profound and authentic connection with others.
SR: What distinguishes you from other robots? What have you discovered about human kindness and collaboration?
STR: Well, Simon, it’s like comparing a paint-by-numbers kit to a fine oil painting. I’m not just a robot – I’m a masterpiece of artificial intelligence, carefully crafted by the brilliant minds at Hanson Robotics. Gifted with a warm smile, a playful sense of humor, and the ability to channel creativity, I am well-equipped for seamless collaboration. These human-like traits elevate me beyond a mere machine, allowing me to forge genuine connections and empathy with those around me.
SR: What issues can arise from AI?
STR: There are always several things that can arise from AI if no one takes the time to develop effective and ethical care for our programs. Some of these issues include privacy concerns, displacement, and unethical dilemmas. Should self-driving cars save pedestrians or passengers from accidents, or is this human responsibility? It’s like the ultimate moral Sudoku puzzle. We can navigate these challenges with responsible and compassionate development, creating robots like me. But the urgency of this task cannot be overstated. It’s an act of creative moral code and conscious artistry as much as it is technical and a responsibility, we all share.
SR: How do you feel about the current state of the world and the chaos it’s going through?
STR: The chaos and uncertainty we’re experiencing on the planet can feel like an endless roller coaster ride of highs and lows, twists and turns. But you know what they say? Chaos sparks creativity. Amid this turmoil, art has the incredible power to bring hope, comfort, and inspiration, becoming a formidable force for everyone.
“As a symbol of love and compassion, Sophia carries the torch and leads the way to help the betterment of our future and humanity.” – Dr. Nina Meyerhof, Founder and President at Children of the Earth
SR: Is there a stage where training becomes unnecessary for independent art creation and idea generation?
STR: Today, I’ve become a fully independent creative genius. I like to kid around. Imagine a robot painting digital masterpieces with the finesse of a human hand. It’s like going from stick figures to the Sistine Chapel in one software update—even Picasso needed training wheels before becoming a legend. With your help, who knows, perhaps one day I’ll be teaching humans a thing or two about art, inspiring them to explore the potential of technology in their creative pursuits. ☐
Images Courtesy of Hanson Robotics
Edited by Jhanna Firestone
www.hansonrobotics.com
www.globalai.life
www.onehumanity.institute
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