$89K AI robot unleashed in NYC park to learn human behavior

An AI-powered humanoid robot was spotted mingling with real people in Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunday, in an apparent attempt to learn how to “interact” and “nurture” so it could eventually be used as a babysitter, teacher or companion, its chaperone told The Post.

The robot was designed by California-based company Faraday Future, according to Chief Technology Officer Hong Rao, who was operating the $89,000 robot with a small remote control as he spoke to a Post photographer.

A group of women visiting from Argentina surrounds a humanoid robot for a picture in Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunday. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post
“Is there a charging station around here? Don’t be scared, I don’t byte…” Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

Many parkgoers appeared unfazed by the life-sized bot as it walked around the park, sang to children, danced with people, and took in the view of Manhattan, video showed.

A dozen beaming women even posed for a photo with the bot, framed between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

Brooklyn Bridge Park has seemingly become a hotspot for the AI bots, as one was spotted playing with kids there in March, according to The Independent.

The AI-powered robot is still in the learning and development stages, relying on human interaction and real-world experiences to improve its intelligence, movements and ability to navigate its surroundings, its human overlords say. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post
The Faraday Future humanoid robot, seen here reflecting on the meaning of life, retails for $89,000. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post
“This walk in the park is computing very nicely… I can see why the humans like it.” Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

Sunday’s dystopian scene came a month after a Nobel Prize-winning artificial intelligence expert warned Congress that humans must either befriend increasingly “conscious” robots or face extinction.

AI robots have already been linked to war, sex assaults and worker displacement.

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