While introducing herself at the Hanson Robotics' lab, Sophia said that the social robots like her can take care of the sick and elderly and can help.
Archa Harikumar H
Being Sophia, AI Coming of Age | credits: Hanson Robotics
While introducing herself at the Hanson Robotics' lab, Sophia said that the social robots like her can take care of the sick and elderly and can help to communicate, give therapy and provide social stimulation even under harsh circumstances.
Its been 4 years, Sophia being unveiled, a humanoid robot which has gone viral. As of now the company behind her is on a mission, of mass production of robots by the end of the year.
Four robots including, Sophia would unroll from the factories during the first half of 2021, as the researchers foresee that this pandemic will open novel opportunities for the robotic industry.- Hanson Robotics based Hong Kong
While standing around by robot heads in his lab, founder and chief executive David Hanson said that the COVID-19 will require more and more automation to keep people safe. Hanson also believes that that during this pandemic robotic solutions are not limited to healthcare as it can assist customers in industries such as retails and airlines too.
Sophia and Hanson robots are unique of being human-like so they can be used during these times where people are socially isolated and alone, added Hanson. He said that he is aiming to sell thousands of robots in 2021 of big and small size without mentioning the specific number.
Social robotics professor John Horn of Hong Kong Polytechnic University whose research include work with Sophia said that even though the technology is in infancy, this pandemic can stimulate the relationship between humans and robots. He also mentioned that this pandemic will help to get robots earlier in the market as the people will start realizing the fact that there is no other way.
Hanson Robotics is introducing a robot named Grace this year developed for the healthcare sector. Products from other big companies in this industry are also helping in fight against the pandemic. Pepper robots were posted to check whether the people who aren't wearing masks. CloudMinds, robotics company in China helped in set upping a robot-run field hospital during the COID-19 wave in Wuhan.
Use of robots especially in private sectors was on the rise before the pandemic. Based on the statistical reports of International Federation of Robotics (IFR), worldwide sales of professional - service robots had a high increase from 32% to $11.2 billion between 2018 and 2019.
Some humans might be cautious of putting robots in sensitive roles. When Sophia was asked, whether people should fear robots. She said that someone said that, “We have nothing to fear but the fear itself", the robot ponder, ”What did he know?”.