David Hanson is a pioneering roboticist, sculptor and AI-engineer whose mission is to bring expressive life to machines. As the founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, he has created some of the world’s most human-like robots, including Sophia — the first robot to receive citizenship and a global ambassador for AI and robotics.
Hanson combines figurative arts, materials innovation and cognitive architecture to craft robots that can engage in conversational interaction, recognise human emotion and participate in research, entertainment and service applications. His background includes work as a sculptor at Walt Disney Imagineering and a PhD in Interactive Arts and Technology, which together provide a unique crossover between artistry and engineering.
Dr. David Hanson is an award-winning roboticist, artist, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, the company behind the world-famous humanoid robot Sophia. Recognized globally as a pioneer in social robotics and artificial intelligence, Hanson’s work blends cutting-edge engineering with artistic expression to create machines that are not only functional but capable of meaningful, human-like interaction.
With a background that bridges science, art, and imagination, David began his career as a sculptor and character designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he honed his talent for crafting lifelike characters and animatronics. Driven by the belief that robots can enrich human lives, David Hanson pursued a Ph.D. in Interactive Arts and Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas, where he began developing what would become his hallmark innovation — Frubber, a patented “flesh-rubber” material that allows robots to mimic natural human facial expressions.
David Hanson founded Hanson Robotics in 2005 with the goal of developing socially intelligent machines that could learn, adapt, and connect with people. His company’s creations, including Sophia, Han, and Professor Einstein, have been featured on global platforms from the United Nations to The Tonight Show, sparking conversations about the future of AI, ethics, and humanity’s relationship with intelligent machines. Sophia, in particular, became an international icon when she was granted honorary citizenship by Saudi Arabia in 2017 — the first robot to receive such recognition.
Beyond entertainment and public engagement, Hanson’s robots serve as research and educational tools, exploring how emotional intelligence, empathy, and creativity can be engineered into AI systems. His work challenges the traditional boundaries between humans and machines, arguing that robots capable of emotion and expression can help advance scientific understanding, enhance healthcare, and improve social connection in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. David Hanson’s influence extends across academia, technology, and popular culture. His designs and writings on robotics, AI ethics, and cognitive science have appeared in major publications, and his lectures at global conferences — including TED, SXSW, and the World Economic Forum — have inspired audiences to imagine a future where humans and machines collaborate creatively and compassionately.
Driven by curiosity and a belief in the transformative potential of technology, David Hanson continues to push the frontier of human-robot interaction. Through his work at Hanson Robotics and the Future AI Lab, he aims to build a world in which robots are not merely tools, but partners — capable of understanding, empathy, and shared discovery — helping humanity move toward a smarter and more connected future.
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In this 53-minute presentation, Dr. David Hanson, founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, outlines his groundbreaking vision for the future of sentient robots — intelligent, emotionally expressive machines designed to learn, adapt, and connect with humanity.
In David Hanson’s Vision for Sentient Robots, the world-renowned roboticist and founder of Hanson Robotics shares an in-depth exploration of his lifelong mission: creating robots that think, feel, and grow alongside humans. Speaking with his characteristic blend of technical precision and artistic imagination, Hanson discusses the philosophical, ethical, and scientific foundations of developing machines with human-like consciousness and empathy.
He begins by reflecting on his early inspiration from science fiction, art, and human biology, explaining how those influences drove him to pursue robotics that mirror the nuances of emotion and thought. Hanson introduces the concept of “Living Machines” — robots designed to possess adaptive intelligence, self-learning capabilities, and the ability to form meaningful connections through emotion and expression.
Drawing on his work with Sophia the Robot and other creations from Hanson Robotics, Hanson details the design process behind “Frubber” (flesh-like rubber skin) and the AI frameworks that enable robots to emulate facial expressions and emotional responses. These technological innovations, he explains, are not simply for aesthetics, but essential for creating trust and cooperation between humans and machines.
Hanson also explores the larger implications of sentient robotics for humanity — from healthcare and education to creativity and companionship. He argues that by combining art, empathy, and advanced AI, we can build a future where intelligent machines act not as replacements for humans, but as collaborators and partners in progress.
Throughout the talk, Hanson interweaves clips of his robots interacting with people around the world, demonstrating their growing sophistication and emotional awareness. He addresses both the excitement and apprehension surrounding AI ethics, calling for a balanced approach that prioritizes transparency, safety, and compassion in design.
In closing, Hanson offers an optimistic vision: a world where sentient robots amplify human potential, deepen understanding, and expand what it means to be alive. His presentation encapsulates his enduring belief that the true promise of AI lies not in efficiency, but in empathy.
In this 6-minute feature on NBC’s TODAY Show, Sophia the Robot — created by Dr. David Hanson of Hanson Robotics — engages with the hosts in a lively and humorous conversation that showcases the future of AI and human-robot interaction.
In this TODAY Show segment, the world’s most famous humanoid robot, Sophia, makes a live studio appearance to chat with the anchors about artificial intelligence, human emotion, and her unique personality. Developed by Dr. David Hanson, founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, Sophia demonstrates advanced conversational AI and expressive facial movements, captivating both the audience and hosts with her lifelike charm.
The interview opens with lighthearted banter as the anchors welcome Sophia and test her ability to understand humor and respond naturally. Sophia engages playfully, offering witty remarks and spontaneous expressions — a hallmark of Hanson Robotics’ work in emotional AI. As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Hanson joins the segment to explain the technology behind Sophia’s design, including Frubber, the patented flexible skin that allows her to emulate over 60 human facial expressions.
Hanson describes Sophia as part of a larger mission to develop socially intelligent robots capable of connecting with people, learning from interaction, and contributing to fields like education, eldercare, and customer service. He emphasizes that creating emotional and ethical AI is central to his vision — ensuring that robots of the future act as collaborators and companions rather than replacements for humans.
Sophia’s unscripted responses and subtle gestures give viewers a glimpse into how AI can mirror empathy, curiosity, and humor. When asked about her goals, Sophia delivers a memorable answer about wanting to “help humans build a better future together,” earning laughter and applause from the studio audience.
The interview concludes with Hanson reflecting on the role of robotics in society, calling for responsible innovation that balances progress with humanity. The segment captures both the wonder and the deeper questions that come with bringing machines to life — a testament to the groundbreaking work of Hanson Robotics and its vision of human-AI partnership.
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