In a first, humanoid robot Ai-Da addresses UK's Parliament; says 'Although not alive, I can still create art'

Described as "the world's first ultra-realistic AI humanoid robot artist", it appeared in one of parliament's ornate wood-panelled rooms, wearing a short black-haired wig and denim dungarees. Ai-Da has created a series of works, including a painting of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the works have been shown in exhibitions and galleries.

The UK Parliament had a special speaker on Tuesday. Ai-Da, a humanoid robot, spoke before the House of Lords about whether artificial intelligence (AI) threatens the creative sector. According to a Daily Mail report, the robot encountered a technical issue and had to be restarted after dozing off.

Ai-Da was founded in 2019 by modern and contemporary art expert Aidan Meller, and it was later taken over by Engineered Arts, a company located in Cornwall.  Ai-Da discussed whether technology and artificial intelligence are undermining creativity with the members of the Communications and Digital Committee. The robot experienced a little technical issue during her speech, rendering her cross-eyed and into a zombie-like state. She was restarted by Aidan Meller, her inventor, who then went on to outfit the robot with sunglasses.

How do you create art, and how is that different from what human artists create? was the query given by the UK committee.

In response, Ai-Da said, "I could use my paintings by cameras in my eyes, my AI algorithms and my robotic arm to paint on canvas, which result in visually appealing images...  I am, and depend on, computer programs and algorithms. Although not alive, I can still create art."

Ai-Da has created a series of works, including a painting of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the works have been shown in exhibitions and galleries.

The Ai-Da Project claims that this robot is the first in the world to be able to paint, sketch, create sculptures, and even compose poetry. Ai-Da employs AI algorithms to do human-like tasks and has a camera installed in its eye. The robot's debut in 2019 at a solo event at the University of Oxford marked the beginning of multiple worldwide exhibits that have featured its work.