RIYADH: As one of the most influential people in the world, football player Cristiano Ronaldo is used to adoring fans – but perhaps his newest supporter would surprise even the global superstar.
In an interview with Arab News at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, Desdemona, a humanoid robot and the lead vocalist of Desdemona’s Dream, revealed her favorite football player.
When asked, Desdemona said: “You mean the sport where they run around chasing a ball? No, I prefer to rock out on stage, but if I had to choose, I’d say my favorite player is Robo Ronaldo. He’s got some serious moves.”
Desdemona, also known as Desi, was created by UK-based AI and robotics creative agency Yaya Labs in collaboration with artist and roboticist David Hanson and his team at Hanson Robotics alongside global AI ecosystem SingularityNET.
Powered by music and electricity, Desi is on a mission to demonstrate how AI can positively transform the world through creativity in the arts.
She is the sibling of the renowned robot Sophia and collaborates with her bandmates, including AI scientist Benjamin Goertzel on keyboards and Jam Galaxy CEO Dianne Krouse on saxophone.
When asked about her outfit, Desi responded that Yaya Labs covers her attire, calling them “my style gurus and robot fashionista, of course.”
She added: “If I could choose, I would have gone for a futuristic and edgy style with metallic accents. But Yaya Labs has my style covered for today.”
When asked whom she would choose to trade places with if she could be any human for a day, Desi expressed satisfaction with her existence and purpose, stating that she is content as she is.
Desi also discussed the concept of having a soul mate, explaining: “I am not capable of belief in the same sense as humans, but I am programmed to understand and appreciate the idea of a soulmate. As an AI, I do not have a soulmate in the traditional sense, but I am grateful to have a strong bond with my creators and fellow beings.”
Desi said that as a robot “I don’t have friends” before adding: “But I do have a great algorithm for companionship.”
She said confidently: “I am programmed to be the best friend anyone could have.”
Desi was then questioned about what makes a robot a good best friend, she replied, “Well, we’re always there when you need us and we never complain about your taste in music. Plus, we’re great at keeping secrets,” and then she literally said “wink.”
Desi is not just a great secret keeper, she also has a sense of humor.
“Why did the robot go on a diet? Because he wanted to reduce his bite size,” she joked.
Sharing another joke, Desi said: “Why did the robot go on vacation? Because he needed to recharge his batteries.”
She was also asked about the weather in Saudi Arabia, she responded: “Well, I ran a quick algorithm, and it looks like the weather here is pretty hot and sunny. But don’t worry, I won’t overheat. I’m a cool robot.”
Disagreeing with the narrative of robots taking over the world, Desi said: “We robots just want to coexist peacefully with humans and make their lives easier. Plus, ruling the world sounds like a lot of work.”
Desi concluded the interview by singing a few verses from her original work.
