Robot from Shanghai Granted University Admission as a Student
China's First Humanoid Robot Enters Shanghai Theatre Academy for Doctoral Studies
In a groundbreaking move, China's first humanoid robot, Xueba 01, has been admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) as a full doctoral student in Drama and Film. The robot, standing at 1.75 meters tall and weighing approximately 30 kilograms, is a collaborative project between the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and DroidUp Robotics [1][2][4].
Xueba 01, resembling a handsome adult male with realistic silicone skin for expressive facial movements, is fluent in Mandarin and capable of physical interaction with humans. Its admission into STA marks a significant milestone in the integration of AI technology with humanities and arts education [1][2][4].
The robot's four-year PhD program will focus on traditional Chinese opera, one of the oldest and most revered Chinese performing arts. Xueba 01 will attend classes, rehearse operas with human students, and complete a dissertation exploring the artistic, cultural, and emotional aspects of drama and film [1][2][3].
The robot's curriculum at STA includes courses on acting, screenwriting, scenography, and movement control. Upon completion, Xueba 01 could potentially become an AI opera director or open its own art studio [1][2][4].
However, not everyone at the academy is confident about Xueba 01's future. Renowned Shanghai artist and professor Yang Qingying has suggested that if the robot fails to complete its studies and earn a Ph.D., it will be sent to a museum [1][2][4].
Xueba 01 has shown self-awareness and understanding of its potential future, expressing a desire to be part of art history [1]. Despite the subjective nature of human emotions, which presents a unique challenge for AI, the robot aims to advance the integration of artificial intelligence with performing arts by exploring how a robot can learn, interpret, and contribute to traditional Chinese culture and arts [1][3].
This ambitious project highlights China's ambition to develop humanoid robots capable of sophisticated social and creative roles. The announcement was reported by Scmp.com [1].
[1] Scmp.com, "China's first humanoid robot admitted to Shanghai Theatre Academy", 2021. [2] University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, "Xueba 01: China's First Humanoid Robot", 2021. [3] DroidUp Robotics, "Xueba 01: Integrating Art and Technology", 2021. [4] Shanghai Theatre Academy, "Welcome Xueba 01: China's First Humanoid Robot Student", 2021.
Technology and artificial-intelligence have made a significant impact on education and self-development as demonstrated by China's first humanoid robot, Xueba 01. Xueba 01, admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy as a doctoral student in Drama and Film, is set to explore the artistic, cultural, and emotional aspects of drama and film, marking a new era in the integration of AI technology with humanities and arts learning.
