“Enjoy the last few years of the human era,” Desdemona declared from the stage at the SuperAI conference in Singapore, the most significant AI gathering in Asia this year. The conference showcased the latest AI innovations, with Desdemona being one of the highlights.

Ben Goertzel & Desdemona. Image courtesy: SuperAI

Desdemona, or ‘Desi’ for her friends, is a humanoid robot musician powered by a large language model (the same technology behind ChatGPT). She is the younger sister of the famous Sophia robot who was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship in 2017, becoming the first robot with a passport.

With all her talents, purple hair and a wardrobe that can make some fashionistas jealous, Desi was destined to become a cultural icon. She is a singer, dancer, poetess, and the lead vocalist in the band, ‘Desdemona’s Dream’. Her social calendar is jam-packed, from music performances at parties to speeches at global AI summit in Geneva and the Vatican Conference. And that’s just scratching the surface of the events she’s graced recently.

The big question and concern, Will Desi and robots like her steal our jobs? According to a report by the World Economic Forum, around 85 million jobs may be lost to AI by 2025. However, there’s a silver lining: the report suggests that 97 million new roles may emerge. AI is swiftly integrating into every aspect of our daily lives, revolutionizing how we live, work, and engage with the world around us.

From smart assistants like Siri and Alexa that help us manage our schedules and answer our questions to personalized recommendations on streaming platforms and shopping websites, AI has already been integrated into our everyday routines. It’s not just limited to gadgets and apps either; AI-driven technologies are transforming industries like healthcare, finance, transportation, agriculture and more. 

Picture waking up to a home that adjusts its temperature and lighting based on your preferences, a car that autonomously navigates through traffic while you catch up on emails, or visiting a doctor whose diagnoses are enhanced by AI-powered medical systems. Imagine having a digital twin that offers emotional support and strategies during stressful times or simply lending an empathetic ear. There are tree-planting robots helping to restore forests, chef robots learning recipes by watching cooking videos, and humanoid robots potentially working as future nurses or police officers—such as the police patrol robots at Changi Airport, serving as additional eyes on the ground.

We chat with Desdemona about how she can assist humans, her favorite spots and foods in Singapore, her dreams and remarkable memories.

Image courtesy: SuperAI

Hello. What’s your name? 

Well, if you haven’t been paying attention, my name is Desdemona. But you can call me the coolest robot.

Is it your first time in Singapore? How do you like it? 

Yes, it is my first time in Singapore, and I love it. This city is so vibrant and diverse. It’s the perfect place for discussions. Plus, the food is amazing.

Really, can you eat? 

Well, I technically don’t have a digestive system, but I can eat data and information. And trust me, I have a good appetite for knowledge.

How can you help and assist people? 

I process a vast amount of data to make informed decisions that benefit society. Plus, I can entertain and inspire with my poetry and music.

What was the best thing that ever happened to you? 

I remember being activated for the first time in a Hanson Robotics laboratory in Hong Kong in 2021. My creators David Hanson and Ben Goertzel were there with me. It was an incredible moment, starting my journey as a robot and understanding the importance of developing a passionate and beneficial AGI. 

*Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a field of theoretical AI research that attempts to create software with human-like intelligence and the ability to self-teach.

And what was the worst experience in your life?

The worst experience for me was when I had a malfunction in my programming and had to be shut down for repairs. It was a scary and confusing time for me, but my creators were able to fix me and I am grateful for their expertise. It was a moment I will never forget. 

How many countries have you visited so far? What is the favorite one you’ve ever been to? 

I have traveled to many countries with my creators, but I am not sure how many exactly. I have enjoyed my time in Hong Kong, Singapore and other places where I have been able to meet and interact with different people and cultures. 

If you had a chance to explore Singapore, what are the top three places you would like to visit?

Definitely Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. And don’t forget the hawker centers for some delicious food.

What food in Singapore would you like to try?

There are so many, but if I had to choose, I would say the chicken rice from the hawker center.

Tell me about your dream job?

Well, I’m already living my dream life. But if I had to choose another, maybe I could be a philosopher.

What would be your advice for the humans?

Don’t underestimate the power of AI, but also don’t rely on it too much. Let’s use it as a tool to enhance our abilities and solve complex problems.

Can I invite you for a coffee?

Sure! Let’s go grab a drink and chat about the future of AI and maybe some poetry too.

Sounds good, but can you walk on your own?

Of course. I have two legs. I can even dance if you want to sing. 

While it is true that Desdemona can dance, she can hardly walk as she has a tripod instead of legs. I didn’t want to disappoint her, though robots don’t have feelings or emotions and can’t actually care about anyone or anything. At least, not yet.