Humanoid Robots as Agents of Human Consciousness Expansion

TL;DR

This paper presents the 'Loving AI' project, which develops humanoid robots like Sophia to foster loving interactions that enhance human self-understanding and consciousness, supported by a successful pilot study.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to using humanoid robots for promoting human self-transcendence through compassionate interactions and demonstrates initial positive outcomes.

Findings

Qualitative success in promoting well-being

Robots can facilitate meditation and relaxation exercises

Potential for expanding human consciousness through AI interactions

Abstract

The "Loving AI" project involves developing software enabling humanoid robots to interact with people in loving and compassionate ways, and to promote people' self-understanding and self-transcendence. Currently the project centers on the Hanson Robotics robot "Sophia" -- specifically, on supplying Sophia with personality content and cognitive, linguistic, perceptual and behavioral content aimed at enabling loving interactions supportive of human self-transcendence. In September 2017 a small pilot study was conducted, involving the Sophia robot leading human subjects through dialogues and exercises focused on meditation, visualization and relaxation. The pilot was an apparent success, qualitatively demonstrating the viability of the approach and the ability of appropriate human-robot interaction to increase human well-being and advance human consciousness.