Event poster promoting the event at the Bob Harkins branch of the Prince George Public Library
Image Credit - Robot24
Robots sourced and delivered by Prince George and Burnaby based GoGlobal AI sang and danced their way into the second floor of the Prince George Public Library's Bob Harkins branch from August 25th to 29th, in partnership with the Zurich based non-profit G-PAA (The Global Physical AI Association). Their stated presence there was to introduce and showcase to the public, recent capabilities developed in the field of robotics, with opportunities for AI startup and collaboration. It was a surprise though to find out that Prince George was the first stop on the company's tour. GoGlobal AI provides AI agents for websites, voice services, bookings, and events. However, the presence of three multi-function robots represents their first foray into bringing the physical manifestation of AI into the province.
One of Qihan Manufacturing’s Sanbots was on display, which could both: be hospitable, and tow 800lbs+
Photo Credit - Ian Gregg
While the province of British Columbia is known for its strong performing arts culture and the singing and dancing capabilities of their showcase robot, a Unitree G1, would suggest that the company has an entertainment focused ambition for these machines. In actuality, our community’s proximity to multiple significant industrial developments is what brought these mechanical maestros into town. Alan Deng, CEO of Go Global AI, said of their presence, “This is why we come to PG, because PG has the most important industrial area in BC.”
When asked about the robot's lifespan, Deng also said, “You know what, actually for robot’s life, it's very short. So, one or two years, it's done.” He suggested that over that amount of time a newer model may be available for purchase with many improvements. As Deng explained the robot's quickly evolving capacity to perform labour, he referred to human creativity as a skill to focus on, “But you need to know them and learn. Maybe you have more ideas to make something different.”
For the time being, robots cannot perform every mode of labour human beings can, but they are able to perform some actions that are useful in the world of industry. The quadruped robot on display, for example, is capable of inspecting confined areas detecting leaks. Another wheeled robot on display could be focused on hospitality functions, such as serving food, operating a front desk of an enterprise, or even towing 800+lbs. While the function and viability of these automated units continues to develop, reactions to the display at the library ranged between delight and discomfort.
CFURadio’s LJI reporter Ian Gregg interviewing the Unitree G1 unit, brought in by GoGlobal AI and event cohost G-PAA
Photo Credit - Ian Gregg
A patron at the library was heard to say, “Robots. Super cool. I wish everyone could move that way, but I don't know how you would get that robot to help people.”
Though amazed at the physical capabilities of the units on display, he went on, “Like people need people. Like that's [referring to the robots] not going to give you a community. That's not going to give you any sense of like... Well… ease maybe, but not joy, if that makes sense?”
As the robot revolution builds up steam, its presence is now felt here in Prince George-Lheidli T’enneh.
- Ian Gregg, CFURadio 88.7FM, Due North News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Many sound effects used and created for this story were captured from the 1957 film, “Here Comes Tobor,” available for enjoyment on the public domain.
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