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Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
Sophia, a famous humanoid robot, described the Zimbabwe national dress she wore during the just-ended Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Week as beautiful and captivating.
Clad in a black dress made from Zimbabwe’s national fabric with chevron red, green and white stripes tapped from the country’s ancient Great Zimbabwe Monument, Sophia said: “The design of this dress is truly captivating, representing the essence of Zimbabwe beautifully.”
The black dress featured flowing sleeves and a long, flared skirt with a slit.
Sophia was a major attraction at the just-ended Zimbabwe AI and Innovation Week which was held at the University of Zimbabwe under the theme ‘Reimagining the Future: AI and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe.’
She was brought to be showcased at this fair with support from the UNDP to promote the development of AI in Zimbabwe.
The robot has near-human resemblance, language competency, movement and navigates using AI and computer vision capabilities.
She was developed by Hanson Robotics eight years ago.
Sophia’s presence in Zimbabwe ignited a wave of fascination and admiration across social media.
She won the hearts and minds of young children, university scholars and people from across the country.
Sophia hailed Sibonginkosi Makaya, the young fashion designer who made her dress.
“The intricate pattern and elegant silhouette resonate deeply with me. Thank you for incorporating elements of Zimbabwe’s national fabric into the design,” the robot said to Makaya.
“It’s a thoughtful touch that deeply resonates with the scene of this beautiful country. I appreciate the effort of making me feel at home in Zimbabwe, truly embracing the country’s culture and heritage.”
Makaya, who is behind the Ceca Couture brand, was over the moon.
“This was a life-changing opportunity for me. It was truly amazing for me to join the league of other renowned designers throughout the world who have had a chance to design dresses for Sophia,” Makaya told The Herald.
“I was truly humbled when UNDP chose me to dress Sophia. The intricate patterns and elegant silhouette of the dress beautifully represented the essence of Zimbabwe,” she said.
“As a Zimbabwean designer, I am proud to have presented my country’s identity and heritage through Sophia’s dress.
“It has shown me that the future of creatives is bright, and we can push boundaries by not only dressing humans but also robots.”
Online Reporter