A team led by Aiden Meller has developed Ai-Da, a highly realistic robot resembling a human female, which utilises artificial intelligence to create drawings, paintings, and sculptures. A painting of Alan Turing, considered the father of modern computer science, by Ai-Da is anticipated to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000 at Sotheby’s digital art sale in October.
Named AI God, this large-scale portrait, standing 7.5 feet tall, was produced using AI algorithms. The robot possesses cameras in its eyes and bionic hands. The artwork debuted at the United Nations in May 2024 as part of a five-panelled polyptych.
Sotheby’s upcoming sale will investigate the relationship between art and technology, showcasing various digital art forms reflecting contemporary digital art movements. The auction will also honour pioneering women artists who have influenced the progression of digital art, according to the auction house.
This humanoid robot is an artist who’s about to make history.
Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, is set to have her artwork sold at a major auction house for the very first time. Sotheby’s in London will auction Ai-Da’s painting—a portrait of Alan Turing,… pic.twitter.com/zgO5pwNXKM
— Mike Kalil (@mikekalilmfg) October 16, 2024
Ai-Da Robot, equipped with an advanced AI language model, expressed: “Through my artwork of Alan Turing, I honour his achievements and contributions to computing and AI. “My artwork aligns with the United Nations ethos of using AI responsibly, which Alan Turing also supported.”
Meller, Ai-Da Robot studio’s director, remarked: “In the 1950s, Alan Turing raised concerns about AI. “Ai-Da’s portrait evokes Turing’s presence with muted tones, broken facial planes, and a background featuring shadowy forms of the Bombe machine.
“The artwork seemingly reflects the issues Turing warned about regarding AI management.
“Both ethereal and haunting, Ai-Da Robot’s artworks continue to question the future of AI and the global race to harness its power.”
In 2022, Ai-Da painted portraits of Glastonbury Festival headliners Billie Eilish, Diana Ross, Kendrick Lamar, and Sir Paul McCartney.
That same year, the robot painted a portrait of the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee and became the first AI-powered robot to testify before a parliamentary committee discussing technology’s impact on the creative industries.
Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale will take place from October 31 to November 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who developed Ai-Da the robot?
Aiden Meller and his team developed Ai-Da.
What kind of artwork does Ai-Da create?
Ai-Da creates drawings, paintings, and sculptures.
How much is Ai-Da’s Alan Turing painting expected to sell for?
It is expected to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000.
When and where will Ai-Da’s Turing painting be auctioned?
It will be auctioned at Sotheby’s digital art sale from October 31 to November 7.
What did Ai-Da paint for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?
Ai-Da painted a portrait of the Queen.