David Hanson has always been an individual interested in both science and art, two topics that normally sit on opposite ends of the scale. But growing up, he liked to draw as well as read science fiction works by writers such as Philip K. Dick. He went on to study film, animation video, interactive arts, and engineering from the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Texas.

After graduating, David worked for Disney as a sculptor and material researcher in their Imagineering Lab. He has since worked as a designer, sculptor, and robotics developer for MTV and Universal Studios.

In 2013, David founded Hanson Robotics, which he is now CEO of, were he argues that precise human looks are needed if people are going to effectively communicate with robots. He believes that social humanoid robots have the ability and the potential to serve humanity in a variety of roles such as companion or tutor.

Whilst his most famous creation may be Sophia the Robot, she is not the first. In 2004 he created the robotic head known as K-Bot, which was named after his lab assistant. The robot head had 24 servomotors which aided realistic movement and it contained cameras in its eyes. He also created Zeno, a two-foot tall cartoon-boy robot to provide treatment sessions to children with autism. Other robots include Professor Einstein a 14” robot that acts as a companion, and Albert Einstein HUBO, a robotic head designed to look like the famous scientist.

SOPHIA THE ROBOT

Sophia the Robot was created in 2016 and is now Hanson Robotics’ most advanced AI-powered human-like robot. Modelled after Audrey Hepburn, Queen Nefertiti, and Hanson’s own wife, Sophia was originally designed to be a companion for the elderly in nursing homes, to serve in customer service, or to help at large events. Whilst she may look like something from a sci-fi film, Sophia is actually a technology platform, helping research in industries from healthcare to retail, education, hospitality, and the arts. Thanks to her interactive AI, she is able to provide a range of facial expressions, recognises faces, and can hold a natural conversation as well as sing.

OTHER WORK

David has also taught at a number of establishments, including Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington; a professor in fine arts and kinetic/interactive sculpture from the University of North Texas; and interactive sculpture at the University of Texas at Dallas.

As well as his impressive robotic and design work, David has had a plethora of other roles, including being the Chairman of the Board of SingularityNet, member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network, chair for the Initiative for Awakening Machines, editor of the International Journal of Advanced Robotics Systems, researcher at the Dallas Autism Treatment Centre, founder of the Philip K Dick Android project, member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and served on the RISD Admissions Committee.

WRITING

To date, David has published two books:

– The Coming Robot Revolution: Expectations and Fears About Emerging Intelligent, Humanlike Machines (2009)

– Humanizing Robots: How Making Humanoids Can Make Us More Human (2017)

David has contributed to a large number of industry papers and reports, on topics including facial expression in robots, expanding the aesthetics of humanlike robots, humanlike robots for treatment of ASD, organic creativity, robotics in the world of entertainment, expanding the design domain of humanoid robots, and facial expressions.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

David has won a huge number of awards and accolades for his work, and specifically for his work on Sophia the Robot, such as :

– Frost and Sullivan Innovators Award 2018

– World Investment Form “Game Changer” 2018

– World Technology Award, Best IT Hardware 2013

– TX Emerging Technology Award 2007

– TechTitan’s “Innovator of the Year” Award 2007

– Wired Magazine Top 50 Robots of All Time

– UTA ARRI Innovation Award 2006

CORPORATE

David is unsurprisingly a bit hit when it comes to keynote speakers, lecturers, and event hosts, and is often booked individually or alongside Sophia the Robot at some of the world’s most prestigious events for clients including:

– World Technology Forum

– World Investment Forum

– World Youth Forum

– NATO

– United Nations General Assembly

– World Economic Forum

– Fintech Ideas Forum

– Disney Accelerator Demo Day

– Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design

– The Hong Kong Robot Operating System Conference

– Virtual Physiological Human Conference

– TEDx Hong Kong

– Weta Workshops

– The American Physical Society

– Brown University Humanoid Robots Lab

– Society For Medical Innovation and Technology

SPEAKING TOPICS

– The Future of Human-Like Robotics

– Creating Empathetic Robots

– Artificial Intelligence and Creativity

– Ethical Considerations in Robotics

– The Psychology of Robot Designs and Human-Robot Collaboration

For more information on David’s creation, Sophia the Robot, take a look at her full bio HERE.

David Hanson is available to book independently or alongside Sophia the Robot.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book roboticist David Hanson for your next live event.

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