Dr. David Hanson is a visionary roboticist, entrepreneur, and the Founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, a company dedicated to developing the world's most human-like robots, including Sophia the Robot. His work is a unique convergence of artistry, science, and engineering, driven by the audacious goal of creating conscious, creative machines that can truly care for and take care of humankind.
Hanson’s extensive knowledge allows him to build robots that feature feelings, intelligence, and a range of natural facial expressions, pushing the boundaries of human-robot interaction. After graduating from university, his career began at Walt Disney, grounding his work in the principles of imaginative design and human engagement. His revolutionary creations, which also include Philip K Dick, Zeno, and Albert Hubo, have earned him high praise and awards from prestigious institutions including the NSF, NASA, and Cooper Hewitt Design.
The core mission of Hanson Robotics is to mimic the biological processes of the human brain—from cognition and social expression to movement. This effort is aimed at producing machines that are creative and aware, believing that this approach is the key to achieving a safe, benign, and superintelligent AI. His work has been deemed the mark of a "genius" by publications like WIRED and PC Magazine.
As a highly sought-after speaker on technology, innovation, AI, and robotics, Dr. Hanson shares his profound insights into the future of human-level intelligent robots. He provides a unique, compelling vision of a future where conscious, aware machines can aid humankind in bettering its future, challenging audiences to consider the artistic, scientific, and ethical implications of the coming age of human-like artificial intelligence.