Dozens of robots, including humanoid ones, will be featured at a conference organized by the United Nations technology agency in Switzerland this week. The event aims to showcase the potential of robots in helping the UN reach its increasingly challenging Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The showcased robots include ‘Nadine,’ a social robot with caregiving abilities that can simulate emotions and recognize people. Nadine has already been used to interact with residents in retirement homes. The two-day conference will conclude with a groundbreaking human-robot press conference, where a panel of robots will answer questions from journalists.
Frederic Werner, Head of Strategic Engagement at the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, stated that the goal is to start a global dialogue on the positive impact of robotics and address the opportunities and challenges they present.
Werner also expressed the belief that robots could become more accessible in the next five years, similar to how generative artificial intelligence has gained mainstream popularity. He highlighted the convergence of technologies such as material science, battery life, network connectivity, AI, and machine learning as catalysts for advancing robotics.
UN agencies are already utilizing AI in various initiatives, such as the World Food Programme’s HungerMap project and the World Health Organization’s work on benchmarking AI disease diagnoses. These efforts demonstrate the potential of AI and robotics to support the SDGs and address global challenges.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary General, expressed hope that AI could help rescue the faltering progress towards achieving the SDGs. The ITU, which includes 193 countries and over 900 organizations, plays a crucial role in global telecommunications, radio spectrum allocation, and satellite orbits, and is actively involved in setting AI standards.