Lifelike robots are not enough as Hanson Robotics aims to create humanised robots

The firm that created the lifelike robot, Sophia says humanised robots that know how to connect and work with people will quash any fears of robots surpassing humans and turning against them

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David Hanson, founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, says the firm wants to create humanised robots that will understand and work better with humans. Hanson is seen here introducing Sophia, the humanoid robot to Jimmy Fallon, host of "The Tonight Show". Photo: Youtube

Published: 7:30am, 27 Sep 2017Updated: 7:30am, 27 Sep 2017

Hong Kong-based robotics firm Hanson Robotics wants to create humanised robots that will understand people and work together with mankind to create a better future, according to a top executive.

David Hanson, founder and chief executive of Hanson Robotics, said at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Hong Kong that fears of robots surpassing humans in intelligence, and turning against people could be circumvented by teaching the machines how to connect with people.

While Hanson’s comments are aspirational at this point, they underscore a goal that could potentially refute concerns about artificial intelligence going rogue, a notion raised by scientists like Stephen Hawking and Tesla chief executive Elon Musk, with Hawking even stating that AI could end mankind.

Hanson has begged to differ.

“If we can make machines understand and have a relationship with us, then if they do become intelligent, they will ... work with us to create a better future,” said Hanson during a panel discussion on Wednesday.

Han, the humanoid robot by Hanson Robotics reacts with a facial expression. Photo: Reuters

In the robotics industry, Hanson is known for creating realistic humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence – his company has developed a lightweight polymer plastic called “Frubber” (a contraction of the words “face” and “rubber”) that behaves similarly to human skin.

Hanson has built a walking robot based on the portrait of Albert Einstein, and Sophia – Hanson Robotic’s more well-known robot, which can express around 60 different emotions and converse with people.