Saudi Arabia becomes first country to grant citizenship to robot

Saudi Arabia has become the first country in the world to grant citizenship to a robot.

Sophia, a robot designed by Hanson Robotics, received the honor Wednesday at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

Explore>> Read more trending news

Fortune reported that Sophia was designed to look like the late actress Audrey Hepburn.

The robot spoke for several minutes at the event, and said she was "honored and proud" to receive citizenship status.

Sophia used humor in an attempt to downplay any concerns about a future filled with robots.

David Hanson, the robot's creator, told Business Insider that he hopes such robots can assist older people in nursing homes and serve as assistants at attractions and events.

About the Author

Joy Johnston, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Georgia had third-highest SNAP payment error rate in country in 2024

The state’s error rate during fiscal 2024 was exceeded by only Alaska and the District of Columbia

Gwinnett drops charges against Spanish-language reporter in ICE custody

Misdemeanor charges against journalist Mario Guevara have now been dropped in both Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.

DISPATCH

In Georgia’s melon mecca, watermelon wizards’ ears are sweetly attuned

In the heart of Georgia's watermelon country, everyone has a trick to tell if a melon is ripe. One way is the sound a melon makes when it is thumped. Or better, patted.

The Latest

Credit: Olivia Bowdoin

Rhone: Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Georgia had third-highest SNAP payment error rate in country in 2024

AJC Peachtree Road Race updates: Keep the momentum going

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.