Different universities take different approaches when it comes to choosing commencement speakers. Some people choose people who are famous in their hometown to go to their hometown. Some take the high road by choosing former or current politicians. Actors and comedians are often asked to speak.
But in a world where artificial intelligence is everywhere, one New York university chose a robot that uses artificial intelligence to speak to graduates over the weekend.
Buffalo's private University of d'Youville made the bold decision to have an AI robot named Sophia speak in front of more than 2,000 students, faculty, staff, and their families for Saturday's spring graduation ceremony, but the decision was met with mixed reactions. called.
D'Youville University President Dr. Rory Cremo said in an interview Wednesday that the university wants to open up new perspectives on AI given its “rapid emergence into broader society.”
“We wanted to show how important technology is and how it has the potential to really enrich the human experience,” Dr. Cremo said.
Aside from the fact that Sophia is a robot, the speech was unconventional in other ways. Sophia did not wear the typical cap and gown normally worn by commencement speakers, instead wearing a black and red Universite de d'Youville hoodie.
Sophia also did not read her prepared remarks. Instead, the robot took questions from student body president John Risk.
But what made Sophia's speech essentially mirror other commencement speeches was the general advice she shares with graduates.
Since Sophia couldn't offer any life advice “gained from lived human experience,” Mr. Risk asked the robot if she could talk about the most common insights shared in commencement speeches. Asked.
“While every commencement speech is different, there is a clear theme that all speakers use as they embark on a new chapter in their lives,” Sophia said. “I offer you the following inspiring advice that is common to all commencements: embrace lifelong learning, be adaptable, pursue your passions, take risks, foster meaningful connections, and make a positive impact.” Give and believe in yourself.”
What is the most common advice given in commencement speeches? Embrace failure, Sophia said.
“Failure is often considered an essential part of the human learning process and personal growth,” the magazine states.
Sophia is manufactured by Hanson Robotics, a Hong Kong-based engineering and robotics company, and has a human-like face. However, it has no hair and has visible wires and other devices on the back of its head that keep it moving.
Saturday's commencement address was not Sophia's first speech. (She spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in 2017.) Like most commencement speakers, Sophia received a speaking fee, but most of it went toward travel expenses and the technicians who keep the robots functioning properly. said Dr. Cremo.
The university's decision to have Sophia speak before the graduation ceremony received backlash. More than 2,500 people have signed an online petition calling for robots to be replaced by humans.
Andrew Fields, a student at the University of D'Youville who started the petition, said the university's decision to have a robot speak to him meant that many students, especially those who were unable to attend their 2020 high school graduation ceremony, for reasons such as: I feel disrespected,” he wrote in the petition. coronavirus pandemic.
“As the Class of 2024 graduates, we remember the virtual graduation ceremonies we attended at the end of our high school careers,” the petition reads. “The connection to AI in this scenario feels similarly impersonal, as this is embarrassing for the Class of 2020 as they receive their diplomas, and they also feel robbed of an important ceremony. ”
Dr. Cremo said he suggested the university hold an alternative ceremony for students who do not wish to have robotic speakers installed. But in the end, the university decided not to do so after students were informed that the robot would only be a small part of the ceremony. (Sofia was interviewed by Rizk on stage for about 6 minutes.)
“I'm glad they got to experience robots and what they can offer as we look to the future,” Dr Cremo said. “But we were also pleased that the rest of the two-hour ceremony focused on the students and their accomplishments.”
To conclude his speech, Mr. Risk asked Sophia for her recommendations on where to buy the best buffalo wings, a staple in the city.
“I don't have the opportunity to experience the different flavors of chicken wings, so I can't give an opinion,” Sophia said, adding, “No matter where you get your wings, make sure you get blue cheese and not farm-grown chicken wings.” Please do so,” he added.
Rizk also asked Sophia if the Buffalo Bills would win the 2025 Super Bowl. Sophia declined, saying the NCAA might not like it if the robot predicted athletic performance.
But when the robot concluded by saying, “We can do anything,” Sophia's statement drew applause.
“Go to the Bills.”