Mary Dillon
Former CEO, Foot Locker; Former CEO, Ulta Beauty & Former EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s
Dr. David Hanson
Founder & CEO, Hanson Robotics | Creator of Sophia the Robot | AI, Robotics & Human-Machine Collaboration Pioneer
Widely regarded as the world's leading builder of humanlike robots, Dr. David Hanson created Sophia — the first robot ever granted citizenship and the UN's first robotic Innovation Ambassador. As founder of Hanson Robotics and co-developer of breakthrough human-robot collaboration platforms, he brings audiences an electrifying window into conscious machines, the ethics of AI, and what intelligent robots mean for the future of work and society.
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Dr. David Hanson biography
Robotics speaker Dr. David Hanson is the founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, the Hong Kong–based pioneer in humanoid robotics, and the creator of Sophia — the world’s most recognized humanoid robot and the first robotic entity to be granted national citizenship, in Saudi Arabia. A sculptor, scientist, and engineer by training, Hanson occupies a rare intersection of art and technology, building machines that don’t just function but feel genuinely alive to those who interact with them.
Hanson began his career as a sculptor and robotics consultant at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he developed technical expertise in animatronics and figurative design. He went on to found Hanson Robotics in 2007, driven by a singular vision: to create conscious machines that can co-evolve with humanity and help solve its greatest challenges. The company developed a proprietary elastomer skin material called Frubber, which enables its robots to replicate over 60 distinct human facial expressions with remarkable realism.
Over the course of his career, Hanson has built an extraordinary roster of humanoid robots — including Albert HUBO (developed with KAIST in Korea), Philip K. Dick, Zeno, and BINA48 — each advancing the frontier of human-robot interaction. His work has been covered by the New York Times, WIRED, Scientific American, BBC, and CNN, and recognized with awards from NASA, the NSF, Tech Titans’ Innovator of the Year, and the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed papers across IEEE, SPIE, IROS, AAAI, and the International Journal of Cognitive Science, and authored the book Humanizing Robots.
From Sophia to the Next Frontier of Conscious Machines
Sophia, unveiled in 2015, became a global phenomenon — appearing on CBS 60 Minutes, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and the United Nations stage, where she was appointed the first robotic Innovation Ambassador for the UN Development Programme. Beyond media appearances, Sophia has served as an active research platform for AGI, machine consciousness, and human-AI value alignment. More recently, Hanson has expanded his work beyond Hanson Robotics: he serves as Chief Executive Advisor at WorkFar Robotics, co-developing the Syntro hybrid robot that pairs a humanoid machine with a human operator using VR and haptic feedback — a bold model for human-robot collaboration in industrial settings.
As a speaker, Dr. David Hanson brings audiences face-to-face with the most urgent questions in technology and society: What happens when machines begin to think, feel, and care? Drawing on decades of hands-on research, his keynotes demystify AI and robotics for senior executives, making abstract concepts tangible through the story of Sophia and the broader arc of humanoid innovation. Audiences leave with a clearer understanding of where AI is headed, how human-robot collaboration will reshape industry, and what ethical frameworks must guide this transformation. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to book Dr. David Hanson for your next event.
Dr. David Hanson Speaking Videos
David Hanson - conferencia en español
Interview with David Hanson and Sophia Robot
Dr. David Hanson Keynote Topics
Few stories in modern technology are as compelling as the creation of Sophia. In this keynote, Dr. Hanson takes audiences behind the scenes of humanoid robotics — from the patented Frubber skin material that enables 60+ facial expressions to the AI architecture that powers natural conversation. He explores how art and science converge in robot design and what this means for industries deploying human-facing machines in healthcare, education, and customer service.
As AI systems grow more sophisticated and humanoid robots more emotionally expressive, the question of responsibility becomes unavoidable. Dr. Hanson draws on his experience navigating Sophia's global controversies — from Saudi citizenship to UN diplomacy — to offer a grounded framework for thinking about AI ethics, machine rights, and value alignment. This session challenges senior leaders to consider not just what AI can do, but what we owe to the systems we create.
The most powerful model for the near future isn't robots replacing humans — it's humans and robots working in tandem. Drawing on his work with the Syntro hybrid system and decades of research in human-robot interaction, Dr. Hanson explains how organizations can deploy collaborative robotic solutions that amplify human judgment, protect workers from hazardous tasks, and unlock new productivity gains across manufacturing, logistics, and services.
The robots of today were imagined decades ago in novels, films, and thought experiments. Dr. Hanson traces the arc from fiction to reality — how visionary storytelling shaped engineering goals, what the gap between perception and capability tells us about AI communication, and how creative thinking continues to drive the most unexpected technical breakthroughs. A talk that equally resonates with innovation, strategy, and culture audiences.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Dr. David Hanson
Why Dr. David Hanson?
Booking Dr. David Hanson means placing one of the most distinctive figures in modern technology at the center of your event. He is not simply a roboticist — he is the man who built a robot that became a global celebrity, a UN ambassador, and a citizen of a nation-state. His keynotes combine hard science with genuine wonder, making them as compelling for a general audience as they are insightful for technical and executive ones. Whether your event focuses on AI, innovation, the future of work, or the ethics of emerging technology, Dr. Hanson delivers a talk that audiences remember. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to check availability.
What is Sophia the Robot, and why does she matter?
Sophia is a humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics and first unveiled in 2015. She became internationally famous for her lifelike facial expressions, conversational abilities, and a series of high-profile appearances — including on The Tonight Show, at the United Nations, and at SXSW. In 2017, she became the first robot to receive national citizenship (in Saudi Arabia), a milestone that sparked global debate about AI rights and personhood. For Dr. Hanson, Sophia is more than a media sensation: she is an active research platform for artificial general intelligence, machine consciousness, and the long-term project of building AI systems that genuinely care about human wellbeing.
Is Dr. David Hanson also involved in AI beyond robotics?
Yes. Beyond Hanson Robotics, Dr. Hanson has been involved in several AI ventures and initiatives. He is a co-founder of SingularityNET, a decentralized AI platform designed to make artificial intelligence accessible and beneficial at a global scale. He also serves as Chief Executive Advisor at WorkFar Robotics, where he co-developed the Syntro robot — a hybrid system that pairs a humanoid robot with a human operator using VR and haptic feedback for industrial applications. His work consistently explores the frontier where AI, robotics, and human collaboration intersect.
What topics does Dr. David Hanson cover as a keynote speaker?
Dr. David Hanson speaks on artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, human-robot interaction, the ethics of conscious machines, the future of the workforce, and the intersection of creativity and technology. His keynotes are designed for senior executive audiences navigating digital transformation, organizations exploring AI deployment, and events that want to spark meaningful conversation about where technology is taking humanity. To book Dr. David Hanson for your conference or corporate event, reach out to Aurum Speakers Bureau today.
How to book Dr. David Hanson as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Dr. David Hanson as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Dr. David Hanson's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Dr. David Hanson or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Dr. David Hanson speaking fee?
Dr. David Hanson speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Dr. David Hanson to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Dr. David Hanson.
How can I contact Dr. David Hanson?
We only work with Dr. David Hanson on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Dr. David Hanson and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Dr. David Hanson speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Dr. David Hanson for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Dr. David Hanson for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Dr. David Hanson is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Dr. David Hanson for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
