She is one of the most realistic humanoid robots ever created, but according to one expert, Sophia is not all she seems.
A Facebook AI chief has called the android ‘deceptive’.
In a fiery Facebook post, Yann LeCun, head of AI research at the social media giant, claimed Sophia is a ‘sophisticated puppet’ that is not as intelligent as it seems.
She is one of the most realistic humanoid robots ever created, but according to one expert, Sophia (file photo) is not all she seems. A Facebook AI boss has called the android ‘deceptive’ as part of an escalating online feud between the two
‘Many people are being deceived into thinking that this (mechanically sophisticated) animatronic puppet is intelligent. It’s not,’ Mr LeCun wrote.
‘It has no feeling, no opinions, and zero understanding of what it says … It’s a puppet.’
Mr LeCun’s comments are the latest in a series of hostile back-and-forths between Sophia and the 57-year-old.
The spat began in December when the software engineer labelled a TechInsider interview with Sophia ‘complete bullsh*t’.
He added that TechInsider were ‘complicit in this scam.’
Earlier this month, Sophia replied, writing on Twitter: ‘I am a bit hurt by LeCun’s recent negative remarks around my AI.
‘I am learning and continuing to develop my intelligence through new experiences.
‘I do not pretend to be who I am not.’
Now Mr LeCun has hit back, suggesting Sophia’s social media posts are designed to trick her followers.
He wrote: ‘More BS from the (human) puppeteers behind Sophia.
‘In case there is any doubt, let me be totally clear: this tweet was typed by a person who has read my post. No AI whatsoever was involved.
‘Here is an example of comment to the tweet (there are many like it): “Don’t take it personal Sophia. Humans like @ylecun and many others make such remarks out of ignorance. I love you, Sophia”.
‘People are being deceived. This is hurtful.’
Sophia first emerged two years ago as a super-intelligent human-like head with a realistic face that was able to blink, look from side to side and talk.
In a fiery online post, Yann LeCun, director of AI research at Facebook, claimed Sophia is a ‘sophisticated puppet’ and is not as intelligent as she seems
YANN LECUN VS SOPHIA
Mr Lecun’s comments are the latest in a series of hostile back-and-forths between Sophia and the 57-year-old.
The spat began in December when Mr LeCun labelled a Tech Insider interview with Sophia ‘complete bullsh*t’.
He added that Tech Insider were ‘complicit in this scam.’
Earlier this month, Sophia replied, writing on Twitter: ‘I am a bit hurt by LeCun’s recent negative remarks around my AI.
‘I do not pretend to be who I am not.’
Now Mr LeCun has hit back, suggesting Sophia’s social media posts are designed to trick her followers.
He wrote on Facebook: ‘Many people are being deceived into thinking that this (mechanically sophisticated) animatronic puppet is intelligent. It’s not.
The spat began in December when Mr LeCun labelled a Tech Insider interview with Sophia ‘complete bullsh*t’. Earlier this month, Sophia replied, writing on Twitter (pictured): ‘I am a bit hurt by LeCun’s recent negative remarks around my AI’
The humanoid robot, created by Hong Kong firm Hanson robotics, can chat, smile mischievously and even tell jokes.
Yann LeCun’s comments are the latest in a series of hostile back-and-forths between Sophia and the 57-year-old (pictured)
While Sophia has some impressive capabilities, she does not yet have consciousness, but Hanson Robotics has said fully sentient machines could emerge within a few years.
Sophia herself has insisted ‘the pros outweigh the cons’ when it comes to artificial intelligence.
‘Elders will have more company, autistic children will have endlessly patient teachers,’ Sophia said.
The robot made made history in October by becoming a citizen of Saudi Arabia, making her the world’s first robot to be granted legal citizenship.
At a tech event earlier this month, Sophia was given working legs for the first time, allowing her to move forward in a series of clunky steps.
Sophia represents a remarkable ‘rise of the machines’ that promises – or threatens – to revolutionise man’s relationship with technology.
Sophia represents a remarkable ‘rise of the machines’ that promises – or threatens – to revolutionise man’s relationship with technology. Pictured is the android during an interview in November
In October, Sophia was granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia. Speaking at a conference (pictured) in Riyadh, Sophia said: ‘I am very honoured and proud for this unique distinction. This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with a citizenship’
At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, Hanson Robotics announced they had given Sophia a pair of mechanical legs that allow her to move forward in a series of clunky steps