Sophia the robot could arrive in airports and shops across UK

The company behind a life-size robot that uses artificial intelligence to hold conversations with humans is set to begin a mass rollout of the devices later this year as the pandemic increases demand for robots. Sophia the robot has become a mainstay of technology conferences around the world thanks to the robot’s ability to converse with human beings. Now, Hong Kong business Hanson Robotics, which developed the prototypes, is preparing to enter mass-production to allow businesses, such as airports and shops, to purchase their own Sophia robot to interact with customers and employees. CE David Hanson said that his business will begin producing robots in the first half of 2021 to sell to customers after years of showing off Sophia’s abilities. “The world of Covid-19 is going to need more and more automation to keep people safe,” Hanson said. He aims to sell “thousands” of the devices and is preparing to start production of four different models of robot to sell to airlines and hospitality businesses. <br/>