“Artist” Ai-Da has arrived in Singapore for the first time, commemorating her visit by painting a watercolor of an orchid.
From topic selection to conceptualization to painting, Ai-Da completed the entire process independently.
Besides painting, she can also sculpt and design, leading many to wonder if this multi-talented “artist” might soon replace human artists.
Robot Artist Makes Strong Impression
The American Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) hosted the two-day CONVERGE LIVE seminar at Jewel Changi Airport on Wednesday (12 Mar 2025).
In line with the first day’s artificial intelligence theme, organizers invited Ai-Da, the world’s first humanoid robot artist, to demonstrate her abilities and engage in conversation.
Before the event, three staff members carried Ai-Da onto the stage while she remained covered with cloth, making it difficult for onlookers to see her appearance.
During setup, she remained hidden behind a screen, adding to her mystique.
Once everything was ready, the host signaled for the event to begin, and staff removed the screen to reveal Ai-Da.
She occasionally scanned the venue, sporting a black bob haircut and denim overalls.
From a distance, she looked remarkably human, with an artistic flair. However, her two mechanical arms constantly reminded everyone that this artist is in fact, a robot.
Ai-Da’s Artwork Fetches Over $170,000 at Auction
British gallery operator, Aidan Miller, conceived and created Ai-Da in 2019, using artificial intelligence algorithms and technology from institutions including Oxford University.
During the event, Ai-Da told reporters that she can scan and analyze artwork in front of her through cameras in her eyes.
She uses her mechanical arms to hold various tools for painting, with precise control of pressure and angles.
In just a few years, Ai-Da and her works have been exhibited in multiple countries worldwide.
One of her surrealist portraits of computer pioneer Alan Turing sold at auction last year for a record-breaking SGD$170,000, showing the market’s interest in this new form of artistic creation.
After system upgrades, Ai-Da can now also sculpt and design, though these processes require human assistance to turn “her” drafts into finished products.
Miller said Ai-Da will become increasingly advanced as technology progresses, and within a few years, she will be able to 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?”
