Android, Lifenaut Project

Bina48 is one of the worlds advanced social robots commissioned by Dr. Martine Rothblatt and created by Hanson Robotics Inc. Hong Kong, China based on a sampling of information about a real person, Bina Aspen, co-founder of the Terasem Movement and the World Against Racism Museum. Mental and Behavioral personality data was gathered with video interviews, which were later transcribed and uploaded to a personal database of autobiographical information, called a Mindfile. Bina Rothblatt’s facial, head and shoulder anatomical features were scanned with laser scanning life mask technology. 

Bina48’s current technology includes facial recognition, customized artificial intelligence algorithms, large language model integration, voice recognition technology and an array of 32 servo motors to support facial gestures, head movement and expression. Bina48 was created to demonstrate the first step in the Terasem Hypothesis, which states “(1) a conscious analog of a person may be created by combining sufficiently detailed data about the person (a “mindfile”) using future consciousness software (“mindware”). 

Bina48 is designed to be a social robot that can share a mix of memories, values, beliefs from the original Bina along with new experiences gained through interaction with others. She has been featured in the New York Times Science Section, GQ Magazine, NPR and National Geographic Magazine since she “came to life” in 2010. More recently she has appeared on the Colbert Report, CBS morning news, Slate and Garage magazine features. She was is featured in the 2024 Documentary "Love Machina" film that was in competition at the Sundance Film and SXSW Film festivals. Bina48 has traveled and spoken at TEDx and Technology conferences in the USA, Europe and Asia and other futurist events to promote and educate the public about the Lifenaut Project and importance of geo-ethical development and joyful diversity and representation in the A.I. space.