Melania Trump Brings Humanoid Robot to Education and Technology Summit

First Lady Melania Trump entered an event accompanied by a humanoid robot to promote the potential uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

The Details: The robot introduced itself at "Figure 03" and greeted the event's guests in 11 languages. It also said, "I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education."

Melania Trump's Speech: Ms. Trump said, "I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education… Very soon artificial intelligence will move from our mobile phones to humanoids that deliver utility." She continued, "Imagine a humanoid educator named 'Plato.' Access to the classical studies is now instantaneous—literature, science, art, philosophy, mathematics, and history—humanity's entire corpus of information is available in the comfort of your home."

For Context: The humanoid robot, produced by the robotics company Figure, has not previously been marketed for education, but has been promoted for doing household tasks such as loading a dishwasher, folding laundry, and tidying the house. 

How the Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) described the robot's entrance and included quotes from Ms. Trump's speech. Reuters (Center) noted that Education Secretary Linda McMahon was smiling at Ms. Trump from the audience. It also added President Donald Trump's recent developments with AI, such as his appointment of Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Oracle's Larry Ellison to an AI policy council. New York Times (Lean Left) wrote that "with its sleek black-and-white appearance, Figure 3 would fit right in with the first lady's branding aesthetic."

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