TED Offers Prize For Robot That Can Give Presentation

During the course of the annual TEDActive conference, Chris Anderson, who is the curator of the foundation, joined forces with Peter Diamandis, who is the founder of the XPRIZE, in order to herals the creation of the A.L XPRIZE. Both spokespersons assured the audience that this prize will be awarded to the party or parties who not only creates a fully functional, interactive android, but also one that manages to receive a standing ovation at the conclusion of its presentation.There are, naturally, no plans to award the new A.I. XPRIZE in the near future. Indeed, there are no concrete specifications as to what criteria will constitute or regulate the successful creation of such an android as the prize envisions. The only thing that will ensure delivery of the prize is a successful outcome for an android presentation (i.e., receipt of a standing ovation from the audience once the presentation is concluded).

It is hoped that keeping the rules vague leaves the door open for artificial intelligence developers to try many different and varying methods of achieving the ultimate goal of winning the prize. Along the way, these scientists and A.I. developers may also discover many other new technological advances which could aid mankind in the future.

In a statement issued to the media after the announcement, Diamandis had this to say: “This global competition could help spur its development across a myriad of areas – including biological research, exploration, education, health care, and fields we have not yet even imagined.” As yet, there is no word as to whether anyone has decided to take up the challenge.