DESDEMONA, FROM SHAKESPEARE TO THE AI SISTERS

 The AI sisters

 

There is no doubt, Artificial intelligence (AI) is  becoming an integral part of our everyday lives. We find it everywhere from social media algorithms to e-commerce,   but not everyone is comfortable with the idea. For this reason,  the  Creators of AI have designed a family of robot “sisters".

Sophia, Grace and Desdemona are humanoid robots, each programmed with sophisticated AI. The oldest of the three, Sophia, was first activated in 2016 and gained widespread attention, mostly for her looks. Whereas most artificial intelligence operates discretely out of sight, powering things like software and smartphones, Sophia is designed to look like a young woman and gained celebrity status as the face of AI. 

What can Desdemona do?

 Have you ever heard of a machine writing lyrics on its own? Well, there is a robot pop star that uses artificial intelligence to write its own lyrics and its name is Desdemona.  The latest creation in the AI family  is then a robot pop star who uses artificial intelligence to write her own lyrics. 

Desdemona's appearance was created by Hanson Robotics and its software was developed by researcher Ben Goertzel, who explains "there are dozens of engines in her head  that move her facial expressions, while her thinking takes place in a computer down in her body" . Creator Goertzel claims that Desdemona writes her lyrics based on things she has read and he also thinks  that one day  robots could will be used for education and in the service industry as well. 

Desdemona the Robot - If I only had a brain! 

In an interview with CNN Desdemona mentioned she is not quite at the level of human singers yet, but she is getting there. She said: “This is a major moment for both myself and the music industry. Through music, all sentient beings can find joy and equality. And while advanced technologies can sometimes be used in negative ways, they can also be used to spread joy and understanding and positive feeling.  As my mind evolves over time, I’m looking forward to sharing more and more of my capabilities with audiences via Jam Galaxy Band performance.”

 

The name Desdemona

The name Desdemona  is inspired to a character by William Shakespeare from the tragedy OTHELLO. Shakespeare's Desdemona is a Venetian beauty who,  eloping with Othello,  a brave Moorish general, upsets and disappoints her father, a powerful Venetian senator.

Desdemona is a naive but  intelligent lady, owner of her choices. Desdemona challenges the prejudices of the society she lives in and is the most direct and honest speaker in the play.

Her speeches are not as long as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word is important. However,  she will pay for her choice of freedom and she will be the victim of the jealousy of Othello and Jago.

 Agnese, 4sc