At D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, the spring commencement ceremony took a unique turn as an artificially intelligent robot named Sophia took the stage as the speaker. The decision to have Sophia address the audience of over 2,000, including graduates, faculty, and families, stirred mixed reactions among attendees.
Before Sophia’s appearance, the university announced on social media its embrace of technology by inviting the robot to deliver the commencement address. Despite some students’ reservations, the event proceeded as planned.
Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics and known for previous appearances on platforms like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” addressed the audience in an interview-style discussion with John Rizk, the university’s Student Government Association president. The robot spoke about her creation, designed to engage in conversations and contribute to research in artificial intelligence.
However, some students created a petition expressing their dissatisfaction with Sophia as the speaker, arguing that the choice detracted from the human connection they valued in their education experience. They felt that the presence of an AI speaker was impersonal and gimmicky, overshadowing the significance of the ceremony.
In response, the university’s vice president for student affairs explained that the decision to invite Sophia aligned with the year’s theme of artificial intelligence. Despite the controversy, the event proceeded as planned, offering a traditional-style commencement ceremony as an alternative for those uncomfortable with Sophia’s presence.
While the choice of Sophia as a commencement speaker sparked debate and petitioning, the university defended its decision, emphasizing the opportunity to engage in a global conversation surrounding AI. Ultimately, the event aimed to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class in a memorable and innovative manner.