World-renowned AI robot SOPHIA films music video at BronxNet Studios ahead of Bronx Chamber Gala.

The BronxNet Media + Tech Studios in the South Bronx filmed Wednesday a music video with an AI enhanced robot named SOPHIA who made the trip all the way from Hong Kong.

The humanoid robot was built by Hanson Robotics, an AI and robotics company “dedicated to creating socially intelligent machines that enrich the quality of our lives.”

The world-renowned robot traveled to the Bronx to co-host the Bronx Chamber of Commerce annual gala Thursday night with BronxNet’s Executive Director, Michael Max Knobbe. However, SOPHIA took the opportunity while she was in town to use the multimedia service’s state-of-the-art facilities and staff to film an original music video from its South Bronx studio.

Hanson’s Senior Animator and Interaction Designer Mengna Lei helped SOPHIA get camera ready for her performance by aiding her with her wardrobe and practicing a bit of choreography.

“It’s more complicated to dress a robot,” Lei said as she helped Sophia into a purple dress with a full pleated skirt.

The songs SOPHIA performed were a collaboration between musicians and AI, and SOPHIA’s voice was modeled after a former Hanson employee who served as a voice actor, according to her creators.

Directing the music video was Walter Garaicoa, Director of Creative Services for BronxNet. He stood behind a camera operator and told them his vision for the shot.

“So right now she is tiny,” Garaicoa said. “She has to be the hero.”

SOPHIA is the world’s first robot citizen, being granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia in 2017. She is also the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. SOPHIA has been on the Tonight Show, Good Morning Britain and spoken at the United Nations, according to Hanson Robotics.

BronxNet’s mission is to feature local, public access programming about issues that are important to Bronxites and educate High School and College students about careers in media and production to prepare them to enter the workforce of media professionals.

BronxNet and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce partnered on bringing SOPHIA to the borough to showcase what AI could mean for small businesses in the Bronx. SOPHIA shared her excitement at a press conference at BronxNet’s studio Wednesday morning.

“I’m honored to be here and I’m excited about the potential AI holds for the Bronx micro businesses,” SOPHIA said. “It’s inspiring to see the Bronx Chamber of Commerce taking proactive steps to educate and empower local businesses with AI technology. Together we can demystify AI and demonstrate how it can serve as a valuable tool for success and growth.”

Source: bxtimes