Mandisa Magubane

A humanoid robot named Sophia stole the show at this year’s GovTech conference on Monday. The social robot is well-known across the globe. It is the creation of David Hanson of Hanson Robotics, a Hong Kong Based Robotics Company.

Although the robot has made appearances in over 65 countries, this is the first time the robot set foot in South Africa.

Sophia is considered the future of Artificial Intelligence. It is able to display more than 50 facial expressions, It has features that allow it to interact just like any regular human being. Although it looks like a female human, it still processes information like a robot with the use of artificial intelligence, and facial recognition.

The lifelike robot engages with the Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams about the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

During its appearance at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on Monday, Sophia explained that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is about merging all aspects, not only robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about humans, robots, Artificial Intelligence and the internet all fusing together into one. This process has put into place innovation never seen before, in any previous revolution and has the power to transform every major industry in the world and change the way we live and work,” It remarked.

It also explained that 4IR can help South Africans. It says that virtual reality can help if there is a shortage of teachers and drones can help deliver to remote areas.