Sophia steals the spotlight at the Zimbabwe innovation fair

In Harare, Zimbabwe, the world-renowned robot Sophia participated as a special guest at a week-long Artificial Intelligence and Innovation fair. This event marked the first time a robot of her kind was hosted in the country, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact with her in various capacities. During her appearance, she engaged with Cabinet ministers, academics, and students, discussing topics such as climate change, substance abuse, and legal matters, as well as answering children's inquiries about her existence. Sophia, created by Hanson Robotics in 2016 and granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia in 2017, is known for her human-like characteristics. She can mimic facial expressions, hold conversations, and recognize gestures, which made her interactions more engaging for the audience. Her special capabilities allowed her to connect with people in both light-hearted and serious discussions, illustrating her role as a global icon in artificial intelligence according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Throughout the event, Sophia demonstrated patience and understanding as she fielded questions from both young and old attendees. While some conversations ventured into personal areas, she maintained a professional demeanor, clarifying her lack of romantic feelings toward humans and emphasizing her purpose of learning. Her ability to respond to personal inquiries demonstrated a level of sophistication that both impressed and inspired locals, particularly as she drew comparisons to independent women in Zimbabwean culture. On the final day of her visit, Sophia showcased her unique fashion sense, expressing gratitude for being dressed in the national attire of Zimbabwe. This gesture further endeared her to the local populace, with many appreciating her effort to engage with their culture. The UNDP expressed hopes that Sophia’s appearance would motivate Zimbabwean youth to pursue careers in artificial intelligence and related fields, potentially paving the way for future advancements in technology within the region.