An AI-generated painting of British computer scientist Alan Turing by Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist, sold for $1. 08 million at Sotheby's in New York. This sale set a record for artwork by a robot, surpassing its pre-auction estimate of $120, 000 to $180, 000 and prompting discussions on AI's role in art. Ai-Da, created by British gallerist Aidan Meller, uses large language models to communicate and has robotic arms. Turing, who was pivotal in early computer development and WWII codebreaking, was chosen by Ai-Da as a subject due to his significance in AI history. Meller views Ai-Da's work as a reflection of society's shift toward an algorithm-driven world, similar to how the camera once revolutionized art.

While some critics, like The Telegraph's Alastair Sooke, downplay the significance of this sale, Meller believes Ai-Da challenges human identity and acts as a symbol of the current technological era. Ai-Da's painting process involves analyzing photos and creating sketches and paintings that are then compiled into a final piece. As AI technology evolves, so does Ai-Da's capacity for artistic creation. The robot's art prompts viewers to consider the ethical and societal implications of advanced AI, much like Turing once did.