Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid AI robot artist, has unveiled her portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Titled ‘Algorithm Queen’, the painting marks this week’s Platinum Jubilee.
Using cameras in her eyes, an innovative painting arm and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, Ai-Da’s mixed-media portrait is the first-ever painting of a member of the royal family by a humanoid robot.
“I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen for her dedication, and for the service she gives to so many people,” said Ai-Da, who can converse using an AI language model.
“She is an outstanding, courageous woman who is utterly committed to public service. I think she’s an amazing human being, and I wish the Queen a very happy Platinum Jubilee.”
Named after British mathematician and computer pioneer Ada Lovelace, Ai-Da was created by Aidan Meller. “Thank you to the Queen for her 70 years of service,” Meller said.
“We are in unprecedented technological times, and so we are pleased we can take a moment to think about all that has changed during the Queen’s life,” he added.
Meller said Ai-Da’s ‘Algorithm Queen’ serves as “a marker of how far things have come in her life, and a great way to acknowledge her faithful service”.
‘Algorithm Queen’ by humanoid robot artist
Ai-Da’s first solo exhibition was at Oxford University. She has exhibited at Tate Modern, London’s Design Museum, the V&A and the Ashmolean Museum. ‘Algorithm Queen’ will be displayed in London later this year.
“The greatest artists in history grappled with their period of time, and both celebrated and questioned society’s shifts,” Meller said.
“Ai-Da robot as technology is the perfect artist today to discuss the current obsession with technology and its unfolding legacy,” he added.
“Is the so-called ‘progress’ in technology something we really want, and if so, how should it manifest?”
Images: Ai-Da
