Sotheby’s will auction the first artwork made by a humanoid robot using artificial intelligence algorithms on October 31. The piece, titled A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing (2024), was created by Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist developed by U.K. art dealer Aidan Meller. The portrait of the renowned mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing was produced using Ai-Da’s AI algorithms, robotic arm, and cameras.
The 64-by-90-inch mixed media artwork is estimated to sell for between $120,000 and $180,000, with a third-party guarantee. This marks a significant milestone in AI-driven art, as Ai-Da’s physical involvement in the creation process sets it apart from other AI-generated works.
Meller emphasized the role of art in discussing societal changes brought by advancing technology. Proceeds from the sale will be used to further develop the Ai-Da project. Sotheby’s Michael Bouhanna highlighted strong interest from collectors at the intersection of art and AI, which influenced the piece’s high pre-sale estimate.
Previously, the portrait was displayed at the AI for Good Global Summit at the United Nations in Geneva. Other works by digital artists, including Refik Anadol, PAK, and Xcopy, will also be featured at Sotheby’s digital art sale.
