Robot Sofia Meets Abiy

Addis Ababa July 02/2018 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed talked with the hominid robot Sofia in his office today. The English-speaking robot exchanged a few words with the Premier in the Amharic language. The PM stated that the arrival of Sofia to Ethiopia and her attempt to speak in Amharic brings the country closer to the technological age. He said Ethiopian computer engineers involved in the development of the robot can do much if they get the opportunity and noted that concerned bodies should think about giving chance for talented youth to work in the sector. It’s good to think about how to use this opportunity to get along with the next generation of technology, the Premier added. The Premier urged the concerned professionals and ministries to work together with the youth. This robot is currently available in Ethiopia for ICT Week sponsored by Ethio-Telecom. Designed by Hong Kong firm Hanson Robotics, Sophia has been programmed to speak Amharic, Ethiopia's official language. Sophia was activated in 2015 and shot to fame after becoming the first robot to gain the citizenship of a country – when Saudi Arabia gave her nationality last year.