Humanoid Robots Like Sophia To Be Mass Produced In 2021

The future is, reportedly, set to arrive soon. Makers of the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) humanoid robot Sophia are planning a mass rollout of similar creations amid the pandemic, highlighting their importance "during these times where people are terribly lonely and socially isolated." Based in Hong Kong, the enterprise Hanson Robotics is set to produce thousands of humanoid robots later this year. 

According to Reuters, Sophia, created in 2016 to global recognition, has herself elaborated on the need for more humanoids like her. She says, "Social robots like me can take care of the sick or elderly. I can help communicate, give therapy and provide social stimulation, even in difficult situations.”

A Future Of Humanoid Robots? 

David Hanson, founder of the robotics enterprise, was quoted saying, "The world of COVID-19 is going to need more and more automation to keep people safe." Grace, one of Sophia's siblings, will reportedly be one of the first humanoids to be produced for use in the healthcare sector in 2021. 

Sophia has other siblings besides Grace too. Hanson has produced other robots like Alice, Han, Jules, Einstein, and Joey. Sophia herself is available in more than one size, with a 'Little Sophia' version of her created to aid children's learning. 

Who Is Sophia? More About The Robot

Sophia, activated in 2016, is among the most popular social robots in the world. Designed after iconic American actor Audrey Hepburn, Sophia has made public appearances on a number of world stages. In 2017, she was granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia, and in 2018, granted the world’s first robot visa for a world tour. She has also been honoured as the Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, making her the first non-human entity of the organisation. 

On her company website, Sophia describes herself as a "human-crafted science fiction character depicting where AI and robotics are heading."