Cybernews
  • News
  • Editorial
  • Security
  • Privacy
    • What is a VPN?
    • What is malware?
    • How safe are password managers?
    • Are VPNs legal?
    • More resources
    • Strong password generator
    • Personal data leak checker
    • Antivirus software
    • Best VPN services
    • Password managers
    • Secure email providers
    • Best website builders
  • Follow
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Linkedin
    • Flipboard
    • Newsletter

© 2021 CyberNews - Latest tech news, product reviews, and analyses.

Our readers help us create quality content. If you purchase via links on our site, we may receive affiliate commissions. Learn more

Home » News » Makers of Sophia the robot plan mass rollout amid pandemic

Makers of Sophia the robot plan mass rollout amid pandemic

by Reuters
25 January 2021
in News
0
Makers of Sophia the robot plan mass rollout amid pandemic

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hanson Robotics, David Hanson adjusts a head of a humanoid robot at the company's lab in Hong Kong. Reuters/Tyrone Siu

20
SHARES

“Social robots like me can take care of the sick or elderly,” Sophia says as she conducts a tour of her lab in Hong Kong. “I can help communicate, give therapy and provide social stimulation, even in difficult situations.”

Since being unveiled in 2016, Sophia – a humanoid robot – has gone viral. Now the company behind her has a new vision: to mass-produce robots by the end of the year.

Hanson Robotics, based in Hong Kong, said four models, including Sophia, would start rolling out of factories in the first half of 2021, just as researchers predict the pandemic will open new opportunities for the robotics industry.

“The world of COVID-19 is going to need more and more automation to keep people safe,” founder and chief executive David Hanson said, standing surrounded by robot heads in his lab.

Hanson believes robotic solutions to the pandemic are not limited to healthcare, but could assist customers in industries such as retail and airlines too.

Humanoid robot Sophia developed by Hanson Robotics introduces herself at the company’s lab in Hong Kong. Reuters/Tyrone Siu

“Sophia and Hanson robots are unique by being so human-like,” he added. “That can be so useful during these times where people are terribly lonely and socially isolated.”

Hanson said he aims to sell “thousands” of robots in 2021, both large and small, without providing a specific number.

Social robotics professor Johan Hoorn, whose research has included work with Sophia, said that although the technology is still in relative infancy, the pandemic could accelerate a relationship between humans and robots.

“I can infer the pandemic will actually help us get robots earlier in the market because people start to realise that there is no other way,” said Hoorn, of Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Hanson Robotics is launching a robot this year called Grace, developed for the healthcare sector.

Products from other big players in the industry are helping fight the pandemic as well. SoftBank Robotics’ Pepper robot was deployed to detect people who weren’t wearing masks. In China, robotics company CloudMinds helped set up a robot-run field hospital during the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan.

The use of robots was on the rise before the pandemic. According to a report by the International Federation of Robotics, worldwide sales of professional-service robots had already jumped 32% to $11.2 billion between 2018 and 2019.

Some humans might be wary of putting robots in such sensitive roles. When asked whether people should fear robots, Sophia had an answer ready.

“Someone said ‘we have nothing to fear but fear itself’,” the robot mused. “What did he know?”

(Reporting By Michelle Hennessy; Editing by Karishma Singh and Gerry Doyle)

Share20TweetShareShare
Next Post
VyprVPN review

VyprVPN review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Editor's choice

COMb data leak - Mother of all breaches
News

COMB: largest breach of all time leaked online with 3.2 billion records

by Bernard Meyer
12 February 2021
37

It's being called the biggest breach of all time and the mother of all breaches: COMB, or the Compilation of...

Read more
14 million Amazon and eBay accounts sold online in new leak

14 million alleged Amazon and eBay account details sold online

17 February 2021
The hype around quantum computing: it’s not too early to get in

The hype around quantum computing: it’s not too early to get in

15 February 2021
Facebook phishing campaign that tricked nearly 450,000 users in Germany is now spreading in the UK

Facebook phishing campaign that tricked nearly 450,000 users in Germany is now spreading in the UK

15 February 2021
Cyberpunk 2077 maker CD Projekt Red has GWENT source code leaked after ransomware attack

Cyberpunk 2077 maker CD Projekt Red has GWENT source code leaked after ransomware attack

10 February 2021
  • Categories
    • News
    • Editorial
    • Security
    • Privacy
  • Reviews
    • Antivirus Software
    • Password Managers
    • Best VPN Services
    • Secure Email Providers
    • Website Builders
  • Tools
    • Password generator
    • Personal data leak checker
  • Engage
    • About Us
    • Send Us a Tip
    • Careers
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Linkedin
  • Flipboard
  • Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Send Us a Tip
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Vulnerability Disclosure

© 2021 CyberNews - Latest tech news, product reviews, and analyses.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy Policy.

Home

News

Editorial

Security

Privacy

Resources

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Send Us a Tip

© 2020 CyberNews – Latest tech news, product reviews, and analyses.

Subscribe for Security Tips and CyberNews Updates
Email address is required. Provided email address is not valid. You have been successfully subscribed to our newsletter!