University in New York Chooses A.I. Robot as Commencement Speaker
D’Youville University in New York Makes Bold Choice with A.I. Robot Commencement Speaker
When it comes to choosing a commencement speaker, colleges and universities often opt for well-known figures in the area, former politicians, or actors and comedians. However, D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, took a different approach for its spring commencement ceremony over the weekend by having an A.I. robot named Sophia address the graduating class.
Sophia, created by Hanson Robotics, has a humanlike face but no hair, with wires and gadgets visible on the back of its head. Despite its unconventional appearance, Sophia delivered a commencement address that included generic advice commonly shared in graduation speeches, such as embracing failure and pursuing passions.
The decision to have Sophia speak at the ceremony was met with mixed reactions, with some students feeling disrespected by the university’s choice of a robot speaker. A petition was even started to replace Sophia with a human speaker, citing the impersonal nature of having an A.I. robot address the graduates.
Despite the backlash, D’Youville University proceeded with having Sophia as the commencement speaker, with the robot engaging in a six-minute interview with the student body president on stage. The university also offered an alternate ceremony for those who did not want to attend the portion of the ceremony featuring Sophia.
In the end, Dr. Lorrie Clemo, the president of D’Youville University, expressed satisfaction with the decision to have Sophia speak, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the potential for technology to enrich the human experience. Sophia’s closing remarks, including a nod to the Buffalo Bills and the sentiment that “anything is possible,” received applause from the audience.
While the choice of an A.I. robot as a commencement speaker may have been unconventional, it certainly sparked conversation and highlighted the university’s commitment to exploring new perspectives in the rapidly evolving world of technology.
