Ai-Da gave evidence to the communications and digital committee as part of an inquiry into the future of the arts, design, fashion and music industries and how AI might affect them.

Ai-Da, a robot created by Aiden Meller, and described as “the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist”, appeared at a hearing before the Lords communications and digital committee on Tuesday. The Committee was examining the future of the UK’s creative industries and how AI could impact the sector. (The Guardian)

While it was widely viewed as a historic occasion because a robot spoke for the very first time in the House of Lords, Ai-Da’s mentor and creator, Meller, was ultimately responsible for whatever she said at the “hearing.”

As often happens at such tech-laden occasions, Ai-Da did shut down on a few occasions and had to be re-booted to continue the presentation, during which she was quizzed by peers. (Note: the questions had been submitted in advance to ensure a quality response.)

Q. How did she produce art?

A. “I produce my paintings by cameras in my eyes, my AI algorithms and AI robotic arm to paint on canvas, which result in visually appealing images from my poetry using neutral [sic] networks.”

Q. How did she create poetry?

A. Ai-Da said she created poetry by analyzing text and identifying poetic structures, adding that without human “consciousness” she was dependent on “computer programs and algorithms”.

Quotable Quote:

“The role of technology in creating art will continue to grow as artists find new ways to use technology to express themselves and reflect and explore the relationship between technology, society, and culture.”

However, to emphasise the gravity of the proceedings, the chair of the committee, Tina Stowell, explained to Meller, Ai-Da’s creator, that: “the robot is providing evidence but it is not a witness in its own right, and it does not occupy the same status as a human.”

“You as its creator are ultimately responsible for its statements”.

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