Robot Sophia's stunning debut appearance in Nepal

APD NEWS

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**By APD writer Ishwar Khanal **

KATHMANDU, Mar. 21 (APD) - Sophia, a social humanoid robot, mesmerized a jam-packed audience in her debut appearance in Kathmandu on Wednesday saying, "Technology and artificial intelligence have endless opportunities that can change the world."

In her key-note address at a workshop on UN's Sustainable Development Goals in Asia-Pacific on the theme "Public Services and Development', the first humanoid robot went on to say that 'cleaning off diseases through the assistance of science and technology can be a way ahead'.

Developed by Hong Kong-based company, Hanson Robotics, Sophia is the first robot to acquire citizenship of a country. Sophia is now a citizen of Saudi Arabia. She has been lately championing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific with a focus on innovation.

Audiences were stunned when she addressed the seminar and interacting with Renaud Meyer, Country Director of UNDP Nepal. Her eyes twinkled when she moved her head slightly during the interaction.

Interacting with the gapping audience, Sophia, who can display about 62 facial expressions, said, "There are multiple tasks people can do". In fact, she proved it right.

"This is incredible," said one of the audiences busy capturing every single moment of the astounding robot. Interestingly, Sophia, who was activated on April 19, 2015, gave a smiling gesture when she spoke.

"Thanks to the technology and its rapid growth, lives have found comfort. It is the perfect means of fostering development without having the disparity between the rich and the poor," said Valeria Julliand, UN Resident Coordinator.

Sophie now stands on legs with firm torso and a head that replicates the features of late Hollywood actress of Audrey Hepbrum.

"Sophia will be an inspiration for us to further develop our science and technology innovations. There is certainly a need to conduct more research, develop curriculums and apply grand in this sector," said Krishna Gairi, Under Secretary at Minister of Science and Technology Nepal.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)