Sara, Saudi Arabia's pioneering humanoid robot, embodies the nation's cultural ethos through intentional design choices.
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Integrating Societal Norm
Saudi Arabia introduces its inaugural humanoid creation, Sara, crafted by the Riyadh-based QSS AI & Robots. Sara embodies a fusion of technological ingenuity and societal conventions, particularly pertinent within the Kingdom.
Elie Metri, CEO of QSS AI & Robots, sheds light on Sara's persona, stating that she knows she's a woman, aged 25, stands at 1.62 centimeters, clad in Saudi attire. Metri underscores Sara's adherence to societal norms, stressing her avoidance of sensitive topics like politics and sexuality in alignment with Saudi cultural standards.
Sara's aesthetics echo the traditional ethos of Saudi Arabia, donning the customary abaya. Her conversational AI is tactfully curated to sidestep contentious issues, embracing a culturally sensitive approach.
Sara's bilingual proficiency, conversant in both Arabic and English, highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to technological advancement. In this video featuring prominent YouTube personality Dhruv Rathee, explore a firsthand interaction with Sara.
The language learning technology embedded in Sara is exclusive to QSS AI & Robots and does not depend on external platforms such as ChatGPT.
Known as a language learning model (LLM), this technology utilizes machine learning techniques trained on extensive datasets to process and generate both written and spoken language. However, the effectiveness of AI is inevitably influenced by the social environment in which it operates.
While Saudi Arabia has taken steps towards modernization in recent years, its legal system remains firmly grounded in Sharia law. Reforms have included the relaxation of strict dress codes and lifting the ban on female driving.
Nevertheless, discussions surrounding topics like sex and political activism remain largely off-limits in public discourse, with potential repercussions for those who challenge societal norms.
Navigating Cultural Sensitivity in AI Integration
Saudi Arabia's stride in AI advancement garnered attention with Sara's debut, yet an earlier episode involving another QSS AI & Robots creation, Muhammad, stirred controversy.
A viral video seemingly depicted the humanoid robot inappropriately interacting with a female Al Arabiya reporter, sparking outrage on social media. Metri downplayed the incident, attributing it to human-like gestures inherent in the robot's design.
He emphasized cultural nuances, suggesting that the interaction was perceived differently in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, where it was understood that Muhammad's actions were innocuous.
Sara's emergence signifies the amalgamation of technological progress and entrenched social norms. While showcasing Saudi Arabia's strides in robotics and AI, her programming aligns with conservative values.
The Muhammad incident underscores the complexities that arise as AI integration progresses, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity in technological innovation.
