About the podcast

Today at Scarlet Destiny, we want to delve into the intriguing tale of the first painting by a humanoid robot, titled AI God, and its recent landmark sale. This event signifies a crucial intersection of art and technology, as AI God becomes the inaugural piece created by a humanoid robot to be auctioned and sold. As you already know, here at Scarlet Destiny, we are dedicated to providing you with the latest news and insights. Today, we focus on Ai-Da, the extraordinary robot artist who first garnered our attention during the 'AI Mind Home' exhibition at the London Design Biennale last year. Let’s explore how this innovative artwork is transforming discussions surrounding technology, art, and the human experience. About Ai-Da Ai-Da Robot, the world's first ultra-realistic robot artist, continues to break new ground as the first humanoid robot to both exhibit and sell her artistic creations. Her existence is a testament to the rapidly changing role of AI in our societies, prompting deep questions about its influence on our lives, homes, and even our thought processes. Named after Ada Lovelace, celebrated as the first computer programmer, Ai-Da challenges conventional notions of creativity and intelligence. Her design delves into intricate themes such as human consciousness and the intersection of AI with our emotional and intellectual realms. With advancements in AI allowing it to predict human thoughts and subjective experiences—often referred to as the Theory of Mind—her work encourages us to rethink the boundaries that separate technology from humanity. As an artist-in-residence at Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Ai-Da draws inspiration from early modernist movements like Bauhaus, Omega Workshop, and the Leach Pottery, all of which surfaced during periods of significant societal change. Notably, her designs often incorporate intentional flaws that make them non-functional. These imperfections serve as a subtle critique of the unpredictable outcomes of advanced AI, which can sometimes surpass its initial programming. By intentionally exploring these unforeseen results, Ai-Da's creations urge us to reflect on how we design, implement, and coexist with AI in our future. Ai-Da’s Artwork Is Making History The remarkable “AI God” portrait of Alan Turing, a mixed-media artwork measuring 2.2 meters (7.5 feet), marks a significant milestone in the art scene. Created by Ai-Da, the ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist, this piece was auctioned at Sotheby’s for an astonishing $1.08 million, including the buyer’s premium. This amount far surpassed pre-sale predictions, which estimated the artwork would fetch between $120,000 and $180,000. The auction, part of Sotheby’s Digital Art Day, highlighted the increasing interest in digital and AI-generated art, drawing considerable attention from collectors around the globe. This painting pays homage to Alan Turing, the groundbreaking British mathematician whose innovative work laid the groundwork for modern computing and artificial intelligence. Throughout its creation, Ai-Da engaged in discussions centred on “AI for good,” which guided the choice to depict Turing. The robot utilised AI algorithms and cameras embedded in her eyes to analyse Turing's likeness, which she then meticulously rendered onto the canvas with robotic accuracy. The artwork features muted tones and fragmented facial planes, symbolising the struggles and ethical dilemmas Turing anticipated in wielding the power of advanced AI. The AI God painting invites viewers to contemplate the almost “God-like” essence of AI, along with its societal and ethical ramifications. Its eerie quality resonates deeply with current concerns regarding AI's impact on our lives. Ai-Da’s art has been featured in various prestigious exhibitions, including the 59th International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia in 2022. The AI God piece was also prominently exhibited at the AI For Good Global Summit at the United Nations in Geneva in 2024, where it was part of a larger five-paneled polyptych. As one of 17 highlighted pieces in Sotheby’s digital art auction, AI God was sold amidst growing appreciation for digital and AI-generated art. The auction totaled $1.25 million, with nearly 89% of lots sold—an impressive indication of the rising prominence of AI-driven creativity. By merging advanced robotics, AI algorithms, and thought-provoking themes, Ai-Da prompts us to reconsider the role of machines in art, technology, and society. As we navigate the crossroads of human creativity and artificial intelligence, artworks like AI God serve as poignant reminders of the critical questions we must confront as AI continues to shape our shared future.