AI-Generated Art by Humanoid Robot Ai-Da Set to Make Auction Debut at Sotheby's

Sotheby's will make history this Halloween by auctioning a unique piece of art that challenges the boundaries of artistic creation and technology. The artwork, titled A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing (2024), was created by Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist, and is estimated to fetch between $120,000 and $180,000. Ai-Da, the brainchild of British gallerist Aidan Meller, represents a significant leap in the intersection of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and art.

The portrait depicts Alan Turing, the English mathematician and WWII cryptanalyst, considered a pioneer of A.I. and modern computing. Turing's legacy is tinged with personal tragedy. In 1952, he was prosecuted for homosexual acts, a crime at the time, and chose chemical castration over imprisonment. He died two years later from cyanide poisoning, widely believed to be suicide. Ai-Da's portrait of Turing was previously displayed at a United Nations summit on A.I. in Geneva, adding weight to this auction.

Painting by AI robot Ai-Da could bring more than $120,000 at Sotheby's

This sale marks the first time Sotheby's will auction a piece created by a humanoid robot using A.I. Ai-Da stands out by offering a physical manifestation of art through her robotic form. She establishes tangible art using cameras, A.I. algorithms, and a robotic arm. Known for her human-like features, including striking hazel eyes and a short dark wig, Ai-Da blurs the lines between human and machine creativity.

Aidan Meller views Ai-Da as challenging the conventional understanding of art and humanity. He likens her to Marcel Duchamp in how she shifts perceptions of the artist. "What it means to be human is changing," Meller said, referencing the mixed reactions to Ai-Da's work.

Beyond painting, Ai-Da has engaged in broader discussions about creativity and autonomy. Two years ago, she addressed the U.K.'s House of Lords, stating, "I do not have subjective experiences; I depend on computer programs. Although I'm not alive, I can still create art," highlighting the philosophical questions her existence raises.

Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby's Head of NFT and Digital Art, praised A.I. God for challenging traditional art concepts and reflecting rapid technological changes, as robots increasingly perform tasks once thought exclusive to humans.

Despite the excitement, valuing AI-generated art remains tricky. Determining the worth of machine-created works may be more complex than valuing human-made art. However, Sotheby's has secured a third-party guarantee, ensuring the sale's success regardless of the final bid.

The auction on October 31 will accept cryptocurrency, further underscoring its futuristic nature. Proceeds will be reinvested in the Ai-Da project to maintain and enhance the robot's capabilities.

The outcome of this auction could set a precedent for the value and appreciation of AI-generated art, reflecting the broader conversation about technology's role in society and human creativity.