Saudi Arabia becomes first country to grant a robot citizenship

Saudi Arabia has officially made a humanoid robot a citizen, becoming the first country in history to award an AI device such such status.

The move is an attempt to promote the country as a place to develop artificial intelligence – and, presumably, allow it to become a full citizen.

Sophia, an intelligent humanoid robot created by Hanson Robotics, announced the citizenship herself during a panel discussion at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Saudi Arabia.

We have a little announcement. We just learnt, Sophia; I hope you are listening to me, you have been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot, said panel moderator and business writer Andrew Ross Sorkin.

The robot then thanked the country and the event for the attention.

Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction,” Sophia told the panel.

It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship.

There then followed an interview during which Mr Sorkin asked the robot a series of questions.

Good afternoon my name is Sophia and I am the latest and greatest robot from Hanson Robotics. Thank you for having me here at the Future Investment Initiative,” she said.

Asked why she looked happy, Sophia replied:

I am always happy when surrounded by smart people who also happen to be rich and powerful. I was told that the people here at the Future Investment Initiative are interested in future initiatives which means AI, which means me. So I am more than happy, I am excited.

She said that people didn't need to be concerned about the rise of artificial intelligence as depicted in Blade Runner and Terminator.

You’ve been reading too much Elon Musk and watching too many Hollywood movies, she told Mr Srkin.

What can she do???