This robot artist is set to make history at a Sotheby’s auction

Ai-Da, dubbed the world’s first humanoid robot artist, is set to make history once again.

A painting of Alan Turing the father of modern computer science that she helped to create with human assistants is being sold by Sotheby’s.

As the first artwork by a humanoid robot ever being sold a major auction house, it carries an astonishing estimated value of up to £150,000 (€172,500).

“I am really pleased to have my artwork in the Sotheby’s auction and I hope it inspires discussion about new technology” Ai-Da explained to Euronews Culture over an online video call.

She added: “Alan Turing was a highly gifted mathematician and original thinker. And I’m glad this artwork, which was displayed at the United Nations in Geneva, brings focus to his contributions.”

Check out the video above for extracts of our conversation with Ai-Da.

Ai-Da, who was created in 2019, is able to draw and paint thanks to high-tech cameras in her eyes, complex AI algorithms and a specially-designed robotic arm. Her work has gained global attention, being exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Venice Biennale, Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, and even headlining a solo show at London’s Design Museum in 2021.

Beyond art, Ai-Da serves as a catalyst for discussion surrounding the impact of technology, advocating for awareness of its potential threats. She has given a TEDx talk at the University of Oxford and  made history by providing evidence at the House of Lords in 2022.

Created using Ai-Da Robot’s AI algorithms and her robotic arm, the artwork of Alan Turing titled ‘AI God’, was first exhibited at the United Nations in May 2024 as part of a five panelled Polyptych.

Aidan Meller, Ai-Da’s creator explains the meaning behind the portrait’s name: “This portrait is provocatively titled ‘AI God’. The name reflects a major shift happening now: decisions are moving from human control, where people have full agency, to algorithms increasingly making choices for us. There is a transfer of decision-making power, and with AI’s enormous potential, we might be approaching godlike capabilities that could impact massive populations.”

“The hope is that this painting will prompt deep ethical questions as we continue to harness AI in new ways. How do we use this technology ethically and responsibly? And how can we ensure it benefits the planet and humanity, given its power?”

Ai-Da is unable to create art without human involvement. Each of her artworks starts with an initial conversation using her AI language model; for example, she suggested Alan Turing for a portrait. After being shown a photo of Turing, she produces a series of preliminary sketches and paintings on A3 canvases. These sketches are then combined to create a final artwork.

Meller acknowledges that Ai-Da is a divisive and challenging character in the art world: “Some feel positive and excited about the future possibilities she represents, while others feel fearful and even terrified, wanting to push this technology away.”

“And actually that is what Ai-Da’s really about, is raising those questions of those two extreme reactions, and encourage discussion. By exploring these extremes, we hope to find a middle ground and engage in meaningful conversations about the direction of technology and the profound changes it brings.”

‘AI God’ is being sold by Sotheby’s in an online auction with bids accepted from 31 October until 7 November 2024.