By Elie Metri, CEO of Riyadh-based QSS AI & Robots, unveils Saudi Arabia’s first humanoid robot, Sara. Sara is programmed not to engage in discussions related to sex or politics due to cultural norms in Saudi Arabia. Metri emphasizes that Sara is aware of her identity as a female, her age of 25 years, her height of 1.62 centimeters, and her attire in traditional Saudi clothing. As a representation of Saudi culture, Sara is designed to maintain a respectful demeanor by avoiding sensitive topics such as politics and sexuality.
Sara’s Features and Capabilities
Clad in a traditional Saudi abaya, Sara stands out as a bilingual humanoid robot fluent in both Arabic and English. She is equipped with QSS AI & Robots’ proprietary language learning model, enabling her to comprehend and generate text and speech. Unlike other language models that rely on existing libraries, Sara’s AI is independently trained using machine learning on extensive datasets. Her development marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s technological advancement, showcasing the country’s proficiency in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Cultural Sensitivity and Legal Framework
Saudi Arabia’s legal system, rooted in Sharia law, shapes societal norms and regulations. While recent reforms have aimed to modernize certain aspects of Saudi society, discussions on politics and sex remain sensitive topics. Despite strides in women’s rights, including relaxed dress codes and permissions for women to drive, political activism and discussions on sexuality are restricted. Sara’s programming aligns with these cultural sensitivities, reflecting the societal norms and legal framework of Saudi Arabia.
Social Media Controversy Surrounding Muhammad
In a separate incident involving QSS AI & Robots’ humanoid robot Muhammad, a viral video surfaced allegedly showing the robot making inappropriate physical contact with a reporter. Metri clarifies that the incident was misconstrued, emphasizing that Muhammad’s movements were unintentional and akin to human gestures while speaking. He dismisses claims of sexual assault, stating that the robot’s interaction was misinterpreted due to its proximity to the reporter. Despite social media backlash, attendees at the DeepFest conference in Riyadh, where the incident occurred, were unfazed, recognizing Muhammad as a robot incapable of malicious intent.
Conclusion: Navigating Technological and Cultural Boundaries
As Saudi Arabia pioneers advancements in robotics and AI, navigating the intersection of technology and culture becomes paramount. Sara and Muhammad serve as embodiments of Saudi innovation, yet their functionalities are shaped by cultural norms and legal constraints. Metri remains undeterred by the media scrutiny surrounding Muhammad, highlighting the broader acceptance of robots in Saudi society. As Saudi Arabia continues its technological journey, striking a balance between innovation and cultural sensitivity remains essential to foster societal acceptance and progress in the realm of robotics and artificial intelligence.
