The recent commencement ceremony at D’Youville University will be remembered for more than just the diplomas handed out. It seems the institution decided to take a futuristic turn by inviting a humanoid robot to deliver the commencement address to the graduating class. Imagine the scene: Daft Punk’s “Robot Rock” echoing in the auditorium as Sophia, the AI-powered robot, clad in a D’Youville hoodie, took the stage with its mechanical brain exposed.
The reactions from the audience were far from uniform, with The New York Times reporting “mixed reactions.” Many of the over 2,000 students in attendance found the experience, well, a bit robotic. Sophia, in her synthetic voice, dished out the kind of generic advice you might expect at a graduation ceremony, but lacking that human touch that makes such moments truly special. Some students even felt insulted by the university’s choice of speaker, finding it impersonal and reminiscent of the virtual graduations forced upon them during the pandemic.
D’Youville University defended its decision, with President Lorrie Clemo stating that the intention was to highlight the role of technology in enhancing human experiences. However, the students who started a petition against the robot speaker might beg to differ. To them, Sophia’s scripted lines felt like a cold rehash of sentiments they’ve heard countless times before. The robot’s attempt to inspire with clichéd advice like “embrace lifelong learning” and “believe in yourself” fell flat, leaving many feeling more patronized than motivated.
It’s clear that Sophia, created by Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong, was not just there to congratulate the graduates but also to promote the wonders of AI. For students who were already feeling disrespected by the university’s unconventional choice of speaker, Sophia’s promotional spiel probably did little to sway their opinions. The whole affair raises questions about the role of technology in traditional human experiences and whether there are some moments where a human touch is simply irreplaceable.
In a world where even robots are taking center stage at graduation ceremonies, it seems the line between the human and the artificial is becoming increasingly blurred. While technology undoubtedly offers countless benefits, there are some realms where the presence of a living, breathing human being is not just preferred but essential. As we continue to embrace advancements in AI and robotics, perhaps we should also remember the value of genuine human connection and the irreplaceable warmth it brings to our most significant life moments.
Boston Dynamics may have its Robodog with fur, but when it comes to delivering heartfelt commencement speeches, it seems there are some roles that even the most advanced robots still can’t quite pull off.
By
