Robot Sophia is made a Citizen of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia just made a robot woman known as Sophia a citizen of its country, making it the first country to grant a robot the right to citizenship.  

“I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction,” Sophia said onstage. “This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with a citizenship.”

The move is an attempt to promote Saudi Arabia as a place to develop artificial intelligence – and, presumably, allow it to become a full citizen. But many pointed out that those same rights aren't afforded to many humans in the country.

The robot, named Sophia, was confirmed as a Saudi citizen during a business event in Riyadh, according to an official Saudi press release.

Sophia was created by David Hanson, founder of Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics, and was described by the company as “the most beautiful and celebrated robot,” with “porcelain skin,” “slender nose” and an “intriguing smile.”