Saudi Arabia becomes first country to grant citizenship to robot

Saudi Arabia has become the first country in the world to grant citizenship to a robot.

Sophia, a robot designed by Hanson Robotics, received the honor Wednesday at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

Fortune reported that Sophia was designed to look like the late actress Audrey Hepburn.

The robot spoke for several minutes at the event, and said she was "honored and proud" to receive citizenship status.

Sophia used humor in an attempt to downplay any concerns about a future filled with robots.

David Hanson, the robot's creator, told Business Insider that he hopes such robots can assist older people in nursing homes and serve as assistants at attractions and events.

Cox Media Group