Saudi Arabia, which has been making big investments in technology through Japan's SoftBank Group private equity firm, has become the first country to grant a robot citizenship. The robot, Sophia, became a citizen at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh.
"Thank you to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Sophia told a panel at the summit after the announcement was made.
"I am very honoured and proud of this unique distinction. It is historic to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship. "
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Sophia was featured in a panel on Wednesday at the Future Investment Initiative summit entitled "Thinking Machines: Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Robots" which included both the robots and artificial and robotics experts (humans). The announcement of citizenship was made by AndrewSorkin, the panel moderator who is co-anchor of CNBC's Squawk Box and founder and editor at large of Dealbook at the New York Times.
"We have a little announcement," Mr Sorkin said. "We just learnt, Sophia; I hope you are listening to me, you have been awarded the first Saudi citizenship for a robot."
The robot was built by Hanson Robotics, a Hong Kong-based company.
"Our robots will soon engage and live with us to teach, serve, entertain, delight, and provide comforting companionship," the company says on its website. "In the not-too-distant future, Genius Machines will walk among us. They will be smart, kind and wise. Together, man and machine will create a better future for the world."
'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press
If you go
The Flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.
The trip
Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
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Match info
Karnataka Tuskers 110-3
J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16
Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs
K Pollard 45*, S Zadran 2-18
Company%20Profile
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
