Warsaw. Around 30 robots took to the streets of Warsaw on Monday, waving flags, “chanting” slogans and marching in circles to call for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence in Poland.
The demonstration was organized by Democratism, an initiative that seeks to promote debate over how AI and robotics are affecting the labor market. One of the humanoid robots taking part, an AI-powered Agibot A3, told AFP that the presence of the machines was intended to show that the technology is already a reality.
Slogans broadcast through the robots’ speakers included “Defend jobs,” “The time for rules has come” and “Don’t wait, regulate.” Organizer Grzegorz Kulis said the demonstration sought to highlight the potential replacement of workers by humanoid robots and AI in cognitive jobs.
“If we don’t react now, we could soon have a problem,” Kulis said, arguing that regulations are needed to protect workers. He added that the robots were being used to demonstrate their capabilities while emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
The demonstration took place outside Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, where Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski met with Kulis. Gawkowski warned that uncontrolled AI models incorporated into humanoid robots could pose a serious problem as robotics continues to advance.
Poland approved a law in July aimed at enforcing existing European Union AI legislation through a dedicated national authority.
