It sounds like something that might happen in a science-fiction film - but a robot gave evidence at a House of Lords inquiry on Tuesday.
The AI-powered humanoid robot, named Ai-Da, made history as the first ever robot to give evidence to a parliamentary committee. Ai-Da appeared before the Lords Communications and Digital Committee to answer questions about the use of technology in the arts.
Designed with the appearance of a human woman, Ai-Da uses artificial intelligence to create art. She was accompanied by Aidan Meller, the director of the project behind the robot’s creation, who described her as a “contemporary art project”.
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The committee discussed the impact of technology on the creative industries with Ai-Da, who had the ability to answer pre-submitted questions. Asked how she makes art, the robot replied: “I produce my paintings by cameras in my eyes, my AI algorithms and AI robotic arm to paint on canvas, which results in visually appealing images.”
Discussing the role of technology and AI in art, Ai-Da later said: “Technology has already had a huge impact on the way we create and consume art, for example, the camera and the advent of photography and film. It is likely that this trend will continue with new technologies.
“There is no clear answer as to the impact on the wider field, as technology can be both a threat and an opportunity for artists creating art,” she added. Ai-Da explained that she also creates poetry by analysing text and identifying poetic structures.
Mr Meller compared the recent advancements in technology to the Industrial Revolution, saying that Ai-Da had been built to spark a “much-needed” debate about technology amid concerns over job losses due to the rise of AI. He added that the great artists of history had “engaged and questioned the societal shifts that took place within their times”.
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