This article was originally published on our sister site, Freethink. When Sophia the robot debuted in 2016, she was one of a kind. She had a remarkably lifelike appearance and demeanor for a robot, and her ability to interact with people was unlike anything most had ever seen in a machine. Since then, Sophia has spoken to audiences across the globe (in multiple languages), been interviewed on countless TV shows, and even earned a United Nations title (a first for a non-human). Today, she’s arguably the most famous robot in the world, but she’s isn’t going to be unique for much longer. Her maker, Hanson Robotics, has announced plans to begin mass-producing Sophia the robot this year — so that she can help the world cope with the pandemic. What Is a Social Robot? Ask Sophia the Robot: What can AI teach humans? | Big Think www.youtube.com Robots are typically designed for one purpose — some cook or clean , others perform brain surgery .…