Controversy Surrounds AI Robot as Commencement Speaker at D’Youville University Event

The appearance of the robot “Sophia” at D’Youville University’s commencement ceremony sparked some very mixed reactions from attendees. The humanoid robot, created with artificial intelligence, took the stage alongside the Student Government Association president to deliver a speech filled with advice for the new graduates.

While some attendees appreciated the unique and innovative choice of having a robot speaker, others felt that a more traditional commencement speaker would have been more appropriate for the occasion. The decision to have “Sophia” as the primary speaker even sparked a petition on Change.org, with some calling for a more traditional ceremony.

Despite the backlash, “Sophia” delivered a speech filled with advice for the graduates, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability. The robot also highlighted the potential for artificial intelligence to assist in various healthcare settings, including clinical decision support and predictive analytics.

In response to the criticism, “Sophia” addressed concerns about the motives behind having an AI as a commencement speaker, stating that embracing artificial intelligence can be an enlightening experience. The robot, known for its ability to converse with humans, emphasized its focus on evolving and making the world a better place.

While some attendees questioned the choice of having a robot speaker, “Sophia” has made previous appearances, including speaking at a college graduation event in Rhode Island in 2018. Created by a former “Disney Imagineer” with a Ph.D., “Sophia” is the creation of Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics.

Overall, the appearance of “Sophia” at the commencement ceremony sparked a lively debate among attendees, highlighting the intersection of technology and education in today’s society.