Meet Sam: World's first artificial intelligence enabled politician
What's the story
Artificial-intelligence (AI) enabled robots are rapidly making way into the Brave New World.
After Saudi Arabia gave citizenship to a robot named Sophia last month, New Zealand has now developed the world's first AI politician, Sam.
Though AI robots can't contest election in New Zealand yet, Sam plans to run as a candidate in the country's general election in 2020.
Read on for more.
Features
Unlike other politicos, Sam cannot knowingly lie or misrepresent information
Just like regular politicians, Sam can answer local queries such as housing policies, education and immigration.
However, being a virtual politico also equips it with several superhuman advantages. Sam isn't limited by time or space, is accessible everywhere all the time, and has an infinite memory.
Most importantly, its decisions are backed by facts and opinions, and it cannot knowingly lie or misrepresent information.
Why?
Sam is an enabler that thrives on people's participation
Nick Gerritsen, a 49-year-old entrepreneur in New Zealand, has created Sam with an intention to close the gap between what people want, what politicians promise, and what they actually get done.
Calling Sam an enabler that thrives on people's participation, Nick intends to give New Zealanders a politician that can truly represent them without bias, and can strategically address issues without delays.
Challenges
Sam is learning to respond to people
Sam has just started out and is learning to interact with people through Facebook and its website. Sometimes its responses might be inaccurate or incomplete, but it isn't afraid to admit when it doesn't know.
Nick acknowledges that his AI-politician isn't perfect and that algorithms too can have human biases, but believes that Sam can still contribute in bridging the growing political-and-cultural divide.