Malta Develops AI Strategy Focusing On ‘Benevolence’

The crypto-friendly nation of Malta is now working on developing a national Artificial Intelligence strategy. The Maltese government has also formed a dedicated task force dubbed Malta.ai for the same.

While working in coordination with SingularityNET, the Maltese government also plans to create the world’s Robot Citizenship Test. The test will issue a set of guiding principles to assess the robots and qualify them for citizenship.

Pushing Forward the Development of Humanoid Robot Sophia

The Malta.ai initiative will focus on the development of “benevolent robots” and “benevolent AI”. It will also focus on the development of an artificial intelligence robot Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics.

Sophia, designed by chief scientist Ben Goertzel, is an “ethical, transparent and socially responsible Artificial Intelligence.” Additionally, it also comes with a pre-programmed knowledge for cryptocurrencies.

On the other hand, SingularityNET is a full-stack AI solution, powered by a decentralized blockchain protocol. Leveraging the blockchain technology, SingularityNET will integrate Sophia as a data bank for artificial intelligence.

SingularityNET works like a decentralized marketplace for AI services. It uses several blockchain-based smart contracts to bridge the gap between real-world smart applications and Artificial Intelligence technologies.

Sophia made its presence to the Malta Blockchain Summit last week. The humanoid robot also spoke at the event thanking the organizers for inviting her.

The joint venture between the Maltese government and SingularityNet aims to use Artificial Intelligence, “to improve the health and well-being of citizens, to make government services more accessible, to provide information that is more relevant to the public, relieve employees from simple or repetitive tasks and allow them to focus on more complex activities.”

Malta’s Willingness towards Embracing AI

Junior Minister for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri lauded Malta’s efforts towards technological innovation.

“After successfully positioning Malta as The Blockchain Island, by being the first in the world to regulate DLT Products and Services, we now would like to position Malta amongst the top 10 countries in the world with an Artificial Intelligence Policy,” said Schembri. “In the process, we have invited SingularityNET and the team behind Sophia’s AI to contribute to Malta.ai entrusted with the AI Strategy.”

Schrembri further added, “Amongst others, with SingularityNET, we shall explore a pilot project to create a citizenship test for Robots in the process of drafting new regulation for AI. This is the start of another chapter in Malta’s vision to become a technological hub. We look forward to work hand in hand with all stakeholders including European institutions on artificial intelligence.”

Apart from the benevolence aspect, there is also a focus towards creating a sustainable profit-driven business model and capitalize on the Artificial Intelligence revolution.

Arif Khan, SingularityNET’s vice president of marketing, gives a highlight into the growing market competition for AI.

“Currently loads of independent robotics companies are in an arms race with big tech. It’s great that AI is now a serious sector, but the motivations behind companies like Facebook is ultimately the shareholders dividend.”

Picture Source: http://www.hansonrobotics.com/robot/sophia/

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