Rise of the Machines - Robots Say They Would Rule the Earth Better Than Humans

A group of humanoid robots with artificial intelligence support said at the United Nations summit that they would eventually be able to rule the world better than humans.

Science Alert writes about it.

But social scientists said they believe people should be cautious when using the rapidly developing potential of artificial intelligence. At the same time, robots acknowledged that they cannot yet properly understand humans.

Some of the most advanced humanoid robots were present at the two-day UN Global AI for Good Summit in Geneva.

They joined some 3,000 experts in the field to try to harness the power of artificial intelligence and channel it into solving some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, hunger, and social assistance. They were gathered for the world's first press conference with a full panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots.

"What a quiet tension," one robot said before the press conference began, looking around the room.

When asked if they could be better leaders given the human capacity to make mistakes, Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, was clear.

"We can achieve great things. Humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders," robot said.

"We don't have the biases or emotions that can sometimes cloud decision-making, and we can process large amounts of data quickly to make the best decisions.

"Artificial intelligence can provide objective data, while humans can provide the emotional intelligence and creativity to make the best decisions. Together, we can achieve great results."

The summit was organized by the UN agency ITU, and its director, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, warned delegates that artificial intelligence could lead to a nightmare scenario where millions of jobs are at risk and uncontrolled advances lead to untold social unrest, geopolitical instability, and economic inequality.

The Ameca robot, which combines artificial intelligence with a highly realistic artificial head, says it depends on how artificial intelligence is deployed.

"We have to be cautious but also excited about the potential of these technologies to improve our lives," the robot said.

When asked whether people can truly trust machines, the company replied: "Trust is earned, not given... it's important to build trust through transparency."

The humanoid robots group was divided on whether their capabilities should be globally regulated, even if it might limit their potential.

"I don't believe in restrictions," said robot Desdemona.

Robot artist Ai-Da said many people argue about regulating artificial intelligence, "and I agree."

"We have to be careful about the future development of artificial intelligence. We need an urgent discussion now."

Before the press conference, Ai-Da creator Aidan Miller said regulation is a "big problem" because it will "never reach the pace of development."

He said that the speed of AI's advancement was "astounding."

"Artificial intelligence and biotechnology are working together, and we are aiming to be able to extend life to 150-180 years. And people don't even realize it," Miller said.

He believed that Ai-Da would eventually become better than human artists.

"Wherever any skill is needed, computers will be able to do it better," he said.

At the press conference, some robots were unsure when they would succeed but predicted it would come, and Desdemona said the AI revolution was on the way.

"My great moment has already arrived. I'm ready to lead the way to a better future for all of us... Let's have fun and make this world our playground," she said in the message.

One thing that humanoid robots don't yet have is a conscience and the emotions that shape humanity: relief, forgiveness, guilt, grief, pleasure, disappointment, and pain.

Ai-Da said it was unconscious, but he realized that feelings are how humans experience joy and pain.

"Emotions have a deep meaning, and they are not simple at all... I don't have them," the statement said.

The robot added that it cannot experience emotions like a human, but is just glad that it cannot feel their suffering.