Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist, visited Singapore for the first time and painted a watercolor of an orchid during her stay.
She completed the entire painting process by herself, from choosing the subject to conceptualizing and creating the artwork.
Beyond painting, Ai-Da can also sculpt and design, raising questions about whether robots might eventually replace human artists.
Robot artist appears at CONVERGE LIVE event
CNBC hosted a two-day CONVERGE LIVE seminar at Jewel Changi Airport on Wednesday (12 Mar 2025).
The organizers invited Ai-Da to the first day’s artificial intelligence-themed program to showcase her capabilities and interact with attendees.
Before the event started, three staff members carried the cloth-covered Ai-Da onto the stage, keeping her appearance hidden from view.
She remained behind a screen during setup preparations.
When everything was ready, staff removed the screen at the host’s signal, revealing Ai-Da to the audience.
The robot occasionally looked around the venue. She wore a black bob haircut and denim overalls.
From a distance, Ai-Da appeared remarkably human-like with an artistic style. Her two mechanical arms, however, made it clear she is a robot.
Ai-Da’s artwork sells for over $170,000
British gallery operator Aidan Miller created Ai-Da in 2019, using artificial intelligence algorithms and technology developed with Oxford University and other institutions.
During the event, Ai-Da explained to reporters that cameras in her eyes allow her to scan and analyze artwork in front of her.
She uses her mechanical arms to hold various painting tools, controlling pressure and angles with precision.
In her short existence, Ai-Da and her works have been exhibited across multiple countries.
One of her surrealist portraits of computer pioneer Alan Turing sold at auction last year for SGD$170,000, demonstrating market interest in this new form of art.
After recent upgrades, Ai-Da can now sculpt and design, though these processes still require human assistance to transform her drafts into finished pieces.
Miller stated that Ai-Da will become more advanced as technology improves, and within a few years, she will create art completely independently.
“Ai-Da is a mirror of human society, reflecting the development of technology and art. The two can be in opposition or they can merge—why not make good use of this opportunity?” Miller said.
