Humanoid Robot’s Artwork Set for Sotheby’s Auction, Expected to Fetch $180K

Sotheby’s is preparing to auction a painting created by a humanoid robot for the first time, with the artwork expected to fetch up to $180,000. The robot, named Ai-Da, crafted a portrait of renowned computer scientist and mathematician Alan Turing, titled “AI God,” using its hydraulically powered hands.

Ai-Da’s design includes cameras fitted in her eyes, and she operates using an internal language model powered by artificial intelligence. This allows her to communicate with people and even compose poetry. Reflecting on her painting, Ai-Da said, “Through my artwork of Alan Turing, I commemorate his achievements and contributions to the development of computing and AI.”

Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby’s head of NFT and digital art, noted that Ai-Da’s portrait is part of a selection of innovative works pushing the boundaries of modern artistic creation. “Together, they prompt a discussion of how we can appreciate and experience the ever-evolving possibilities around artmaking in the 21st century,” Bouhanna stated.

Ai-Da, the humanoid robot, is equipped with robotic arms, a fashionable bob haircut, and a lifelike face. While she has not been given the ability to walk, her creators emphasize that she is non-conscious. Developed by British gallerist Aidan Meller in collaboration with Engineered Arts and the University of Oxford, Ai-Da has made waves in the art world. Her work has been displayed at notable venues such as the Chelsea Factory and the United Nations, and she has spoken at prestigious locations like 10 Downing Street and the House of Lords.

Meller highlighted the connection between Turing’s early concerns about AI and Ai-Da’s art, saying, “In the 1950s, Alan Turing raised concerns over the use of AI. Ai-Da’s portrait hauntingly evokes Alan Turing.”

The artwork, “AI God,” will be auctioned by Sotheby’s this month as part of its Digital Art Sale, sparking continued reflection on the role and future of AI in society and art.