TIMELINE THE CREATION OF HANSON ROBOTICS’ MOST ADVANCED ROBOT, SOPHIA Sophia the robot is a unique combination of science, engineering and artistry. The human-crafted science fiction character depicts the future of AI and robotics. As the world’s first robot citizen, and the first robot Innovation
2007
2016
FOUNDING OF HANSON ROBOTICS
ACTIVATING SOPHIA
Hanson Robotics was founded in 2007 by David Hanson and was originally based in Texas. Since its founding 15 years ago, the team has built a worldwide reputation for creating human-like robots. Hanson founded the company to pursue his fascination with art, science fiction and philosophy that pushed him to think about what the future of robots could look like.
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Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Sophia is a global name having made appearances in worldwide conferences as well as daytime TV shows in many countries. Here, we look at how Sophia has been developed over the years.
February 2022
In February of 2016, Hanson Robotics activated Sophia and the robot made its first public appearance in mid-March of the same year. Just one year later, Sophia was given Saudi Arabian citizenship, becoming the first robot to receive citizenship of any country. One month later, Sophia was named the United Nations Development Programme's first Innovation Champion.
