Expressive robot coming north for conference visit

Sophia, the humanoid robot coming to the Far North next month.

A robot billed as "the most emotionally expressive humanoid robot on the planet" is coming to the Far North.

The visit is for the Morgo entrepreneurs' conference being held at Waitangi from August 31.
Ben Goertzel, chief scientist for Hanson Robotics, is confirmed as the keynote speaker, and will bring along lifelike robot Sophia to show what can be achieved.

The team hopes that with a few more years of development robots like her could become as conscious, creative and capable as humans.

"We are designing these robots to serve in healthcare, therapy, education and customer service applications," he said.

"Robots walk, play, teach, help and form real relationships with people."

But it's not just those features that have people talking. Sophie has facial expressions designed to mimic a person's, and cameras in her eyes to allow her to respond appropriately to people around her.

Last year Hanson Robotics founder and CEO Dr David Hanson told CNBC that Sophia's features also included an algorithm to allow her to see faces, and make eye contact with people.

"She can also understand speech, and remember the interactions, remember your face.
"This will allow her to get smarter over time."

Alongside Goertzel and his robot, this year's Morgo event includes the speakers Rod Drury from Xero, Mark Sagar from Soul Machines, and a panel of Blockchain experts including Arthur Falls from Consensys.

Those interested can register for the event at
www.morgo.co/morgo-nz-2017/registration/