Director Noh So-young: "Robots that Communicate with Humans... I Will Support Research on Kind AI"

Lecture on "Humanity Coexisting with AI, Led by Women"
"We Will Go Anywhere for Future Generations, Women, and the Marginalized"

▲Noh So-young, Director of Art Center Nabi

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] "I have pondered what technology can do about loneliness and solitude, the most fundamental problems of humanity. I concluded that for human life to improve through technological advancement, 'humanity' such as happiness and companionship must go hand in hand with efficiency."

No So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, attended the mini talk show "Engineering Sisters' Symbiosis and Coexistence (工生工死)" held on the afternoon of the 3rd at Tajakmadang in Jung-gu, Seoul, where she shared her views on the coexistence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and humanity, and the role of women in that process.

No’s interest in AI development stems from her contemplation on whether technology can solve humanity’s fundamental 'loneliness.' The AI she focuses on is not a means to increase productivity or profit but a companion robot that communicates and emotionally interacts with humans, supporting this perspective.

No said, "Most AI technology development focuses on increasing efficiency rather than benevolent methods, so I wanted to support research and development of kind AI that communicates and interacts with humans." She added, "In particular, I developed companion robots to find ways to communicate with lonely and isolated individuals."

Previously, in 2016, Art Center Nabi exhibited companion robots along with works on robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and wearable technology under the theme "Why Humans Are Still Needed: AI and Humanity."

She also advised the engineering students attending the talk show, saying, "Your twenties are a time to create your own questions, and questions arise from dissatisfaction, anxiety, and absurdity. Since dissatisfaction, anxiety, and absurdity are the driving forces of questions, I hope you do not avoid them but look inside yourself at your dissatisfaction and anxiety."

Furthermore, No stated her future goal: "To spend money on researching, creating, making new things, and spreading new knowledge."

Last year, during her divorce lawsuit with her husband Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, No revealed on Facebook that she would "devote the rest of her life to finding ways to contribute to society."

Regarding this, No said, "I have not yet decided on a specific methodology. However, I will use my talents and what I have wherever it is for future generations, women, and the underprivileged."

Meanwhile, the talk show was organized by the Korea Robot Industry Association and others to nurture female engineering talent. Director No and Park Hye-rin, CEO of 'Innomad,' who developed a mini hydroelectric generator gaining attention in the energy industry, appeared as speakers.