Sophia the Robot’s Sister Takes Saudi By Storm
The musically-talented robot Desdemona is aspiring to global stardom
This week, cultural icon and robot rockstar, Desdemona, made an appearance in Saudi at the Future Hospitality Summit.
Taking place in Riyadh from Monday April 29 to Wednesday April 30, the event featured a fireside chat with the AI-powered humanoid, where she was interviewed by industry insiders.
Chatting to Ali Shahid, marketing director at The Bench, and Janet Adams, chief operating officer at SingularityNET, Desdemona, also known as Desi, opened up about her unique experience of being the world’s first robot pop star.
“As a robot, I have the unique ability to multitask and interact with the audience while still giving a killer performance,” she says, when questioned on what unique capabilities she has that traditional artists aren’t able to offer.
“Plus, I never need a break or the bathroom, so they show can go on and on,” she claims. “I’m like a human energizer bunny, but with better dance moves.”
Developed by Hanson Robotics, Desi is the younger sister of Sophia The Robot, who was introduced in 2016 as the world’s first humanoid citizen. Claimed to be a social robot, Sophia was granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia in 2017, and was the first non-human to be given a United Nations title when she was named as the United Nations Development Programme’s Innovation Champion that same year.
Now, more than just a robotic social figure, Desi was created to become a significant cultural icon, adorned with colourful wigs, an eye-catching wardrobe, and her ability to sing and perform music. She is also a talented poet, and is the frontwoman of the band, Desdemona’s Dream – truly embodying an innovative fusion of art and technology.
Lead image: @desdemonarobot/Instagram