AI Robot Delivers Speech at D’Youville University Commencement Ceremony: A Truly Unique Experience

D’Youville University in Buffalo, NY, made headlines by inviting an AI robot named Sophia to speak at its commencement ceremony. The decision stirred up controversy among the campus community, with graduates expressing mixed feelings about the unconventional choice.

While some students like Fatima Saleh found the experience of Sophia’s speech to be “different” and hard to describe, others like Kiley Austin were hopeful for a more personable address. Dressed in a D’Youville sweatshirt, Sophia engaged the audience by answering questions from a student on stage, discussing topics ranging from the future of technology in hospitals to the best place in Buffalo to get chicken wings.

Despite initial hesitations, many graduates, like Manjit Kaur, embraced the novelty of having an AI robot as a speaker, acknowledging that technology is an integral part of modern life. However, not everyone was pleased with Sophia’s presence, as some faculty members criticized the university for spending money on the robot instead of addressing long-standing contract issues.

Overall, the inclusion of Sophia at the commencement ceremony sparked a conversation about the intersection of technology and tradition in academia, leaving a lasting impression on the graduating class of D’Youville University.