EDUCATION
When science meets art
Cheyelene Fontanilla speaks to David Hanson, founder of Hanson Robotics and creator of Sophia the robot Sophia is the humanoid robot that took the world by storm when she made headlines in 2016 for her very human characteristics– from her expressions to her wit and personality. After making appearances on the largest networks in the world, including one where she sings a duet with Jimmy Fallon in front of a live studio audience on the Tonight Show, people the worldover were discussing what her existence meant. “Hanson Robotics’ most advanced human-like robot, Sophia, personifies our dreams for the future of AI,” states the Hanson Robotics website. The man behind Hanson Robotics, David Hanson, founded the company right here in Hong Kong. As a roboticist and the creator of Sophia the robot, Hanson had many trials to face and obstacles to overcome, but now, he’s accomplished what was once deemed impossible. His story starts out simply–with his nose in a book. “I came from a pretty bookish, scholarly family. There was a lot of emphasis placed on the wonder and magic of reading, so I read a lot as a kid in a diversity of subjects that included fiction and nonfiction. But science fiction was most exciting to me because it was looking ahead and it was
32 | hongkongliving.com
asking the question, What if? What if we could create genuine thinking machines? And how would that change the world?” It was exactly these questions that allowed Hanson to push the boundaries of AI and robotics. There is plenty of artistry involved in what he does–and it requires an open mind. “I was really into the world of imagination. You know, I think, often, people did not think of science fiction as an art form, but of course it is. Now, there is a great deal of legitimacy in it as art. Science fiction inspires artists, filmmakers, but also scientists and engineers in pursuing careers.” Like most, Hanson started out as a kid with big dreams and even bigger questions. He has spent his entire career finding answers to those questions. He has done this with a love for lifelong learning and the ability to think outside the box. “I was inspired by the creative and imaginative side of the world of culture and learning. Learning institutions don’t necessarily always emphasise dreaming, imagination and creativity. But the irony is that almost everybody who really changes the world is driven by dreams,” says Hanson. His experiences as a kid who loved
science when he was growing up means that Hanson knows what it’s like to be an outsider. This has informed his values as an academic and as a person who has made his dreams a reality, “My interest in science meeting art is unusual, but we should open our hearts and minds to misfits and outsiders. And as outsiders and misfits, we should be comfortable with being unusual. Perhaps those are two disciplines that are very difficult to master but I think that if families and communities can open up, we can feel more of a sense of trust to take risks with ideas and encourage kids.” Zeroing in on the city he calls home, he makes an insightful observation about the environment that children are learning in here–and reminds us all of a lesson he’s learned in his time as a science fanatic. “In Hong Kong, there is such an emphasis on the value of science and academic accomplishment so I don’t think that anybody would feel embarrassed to be interested in science here. However, in other parts of the world, it can be a bit of an embarrassment. But I am hopeful that I can pass on the message that if you do feel like you’re an outsider, it’s okay. It may actually be a sign that you’re up to something great.”
