NetDragon Websoft, a Chinese gaming company, introduced Tang Yu, an AI-powered virtual humanoid robot, as the chief executive of its subsidiary, Fujian NetDragon Websoft, in August. This is before ChatGPT gained media attention last year.
According to The Hustle, NetDragon stock has performed better than the Hang Seng Index, which tracks the largest companies listed in Hong Kong. Over the past six months, Google Finance reports that the company’s shares have risen by 10%, and its value is estimated at approximately HK$9 billion ($1.1 billion).
NetDragon believed that the bot would improve decision-making and risk management efficiency and promote a fair and efficient workplace for all employees.
“We believe AI is the future of corporate management, and our appointment of Ms. Tang Yu represents our commitment to truly embrace the use of AI to transform the way we operate our business, and ultimately drive our future strategic growth,” NetDragon chairman Dejian Liu said in a press release. “We will continue to expand on our algorithms behind Tang Yu to build an open, interactive and highly transparent management model as we gradually transform to a metaverse-based working community.”
NetDragon, which was established in 1999, created numerous multiplayer games such as “Eudemons Online,” “Heroes Evolved,” and “Conquer Online.” It also established China’s initial online gaming platform, 17173.com.
Although NetDragon may have been the first company to name a bot as its CEO, CNN reported that Alibaba founder Jack Ma forecasted in 2017 that “a robot will probably grace the cover of Time magazine as the best CEO in 30 years.”
The appointment of an AI-powered virtual humanoid robot as a CEO highlights how artificial intelligence is slowly taking over certain jobs. With advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, chatbots and virtual assistants are already replacing customer service representatives, and autonomous vehicles are reducing the need for human drivers.
While the rise of AI may lead to increased efficiency and productivity, it also poses significant challenges, such as the displacement of human workers and potential ethical issues. As AI continues to evolve and expand, it is crucial to find ways to ensure that it benefits humanity and not just the bottom line.