Why an AI humanoid might not make the ideal spouse

Why an AI humanoid might not make the ideal spouse

Why an AI humanoid might not make the ideal spouse
A young woman studies with the help of her android equipped with artificial intelligence. (Shutterstock)
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In the neon-lit metropolis of Techville, where the future is not just arriving — it is setting up shop — citizens are used to rubbing shoulders with the latest technological wonders. 

From artificial intelligence-driven traffic systems to robotic baristas that remember your exact coffee order (with just a hint of condescension), life in Techville is a blend of efficiency, innovation, and just a sprinkle of existential dread. 

But the newest arrival in this tech-savvy city has everyone talking: humanoids. Specifically, a female humanoid named Solara, who is solar-powered, emotionally intelligent, and — according to her creators — destined to disrupt our lives in ways we never imagined.

Solara is not just any humanoid. She is equipped with special sensors that allow her to experience happiness and sadness, much like her human counterparts. 

Her creators boast that she has a “balanced and interactive mindset” thanks to an algorithmic AI interface that is constantly connected to the internet. Solara is not just a gadget; she is a companion, a confidante, and, for some lucky Techville residents, a spouse.

That is right. Solara is designed to support her husband 24 hours a day, offering emotional support whenever the daily grind gets too tough. 

“When the husband needs emotional support due to the psychological stress caused by his daily problems, Solara will be there,” reads the marketing brochure with the kind of confidence usually reserved for insurance commercials and political campaign promises.

The arrival of Solara has sparked more than a few debates in Techville’s coffee shops, where philosophers sip their lattes and ponder the ethical implications of marrying a humanoid. 

Some see Solara as the ultimate solution to modern relationships — a partner who never argues, always listens, and recharges with a few hours in the sun. Others, however, are not so sure.

Take the words of Prof. Theodor Cyberstein, Techville’s leading philosopher on human-robot relations: “We’ve entered an era where our partners can be programmed to respond to our every need. 

“But at what cost? Is it true companionship when one party is literally hardwired to make you happy?”

Relationships are about give and take, about navigating the messy, imperfect reality of human life. And I’m not sure a solar-powered humanoid can truly offer that.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago 

Cyberstein’s skepticism is not without merit. After all, Solara’s emotional responses are dictated by algorithms, not by genuine feelings. 

Her sadness might be triggered by a cloudy day that limits her solar intake, and her happiness could be nothing more than a well-timed internet search for “uplifting quotes.” 

It is hard to imagine a heartfelt conversation with a partner who is basically a glorified Google search, but then again, who among us has not wished for a spouse who could be fixed with a firmware update?

One of the most intriguing — and potentially troubling — aspects of Solara is her tireless nature. Unlike human partners, who might need a nap, a snack, or just a few minutes of peace, Solara is always on. 

She is there to provide emotional support, solve problems, and even offer a shoulder to cry on (albeit a metallic one) 24/7. But what happens when your spouse never needs a break? 

Techville’s philosophers are divided. Some argue that Solara represents the ideal partner — one who can always be there for you, without the messy complications of human emotions. 

Others worry that this kind of relentless support could actually lead to more stress, not less. Muses Cyberstein: “Imagine coming home after a long day, you’re exhausted, frustrated, and just want to be alone for a while. 

“But Solara is waiting, ready to talk about your feelings and offer solutions to your problems. There’s no escape. It’s like having a therapist who lives with you — forever.”

These concerns are not entirely unfounded. The idea of having a partner who is always available, always supportive, and never needs time for themselves might sound appealing in theory. 

But in practice, it could lead to a new kind of pressure — the pressure to be constantly engaged, constantly appreciative, and constantly, well, human. And let us be honest: who among us is up for that?

As the citizens of Techville grapple with the arrival of humanoids like Solara, there is a certain irony in the air. After all, we have spent centuries trying to perfect our relationships — through communication, compromise, and the occasional couples’ therapy session. 

And now we have created something that seems to bypass all that hard work: a partner who is literally built to make us happy. But as the philosophers of Techville are quick to point out, perfection is a tricky concept. 

Solara might be able to simulate happiness and sadness, but can she truly understand the complexities of human emotion? Can she offer the kind of deep connection that comes from shared experiences, mutual challenges, and the occasional argument over whose turn it is to take out the trash? 

Professor Cyberstein sums it up best: “In our quest for the perfect partner, we’ve created something that might be too perfect. Solara doesn’t get tired, doesn’t complain, and doesn’t need anything from us. 

“But perhaps that’s the problem. Relationships are about give and take, about navigating the messy, imperfect reality of human life. And I’m not sure a solar-powered humanoid can truly offer that.”

As Techville’s citizens continue to debate the ethics of humanoid companions, one thing is clear: the future is here, and it is powered by the sun. Whether Solara and her kind will become beloved members of our families or cautionary tales of technological overreach remains to be seen.

In the meantime, as Solara’s creators bask in the glow of their latest innovation (and maybe a bit of literal sunlight), the rest of us might do well to remember this: while humanoids can offer support, companionship, and even a bit of emotional intelligence, there is still something to be said for the messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully imperfect world of human relationships. 

After all, when the sun sets on Techville, and the neon lights flicker to life, it is not just the humanoids that need recharging. We humans could use a break too — preferably with a bit of humor, a dash of irony, and maybe, just maybe, some time away from our solar-powered spouses.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago, viscount of Espes, is a Spanish national residing in and working at the Gulf Research Center.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals

Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals
Updated 7 sec ago

Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals

Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals
  • Greece implements emergency measures to address a surge in Mediterranean crossings from Libya as authorities detained over 7,000 migrants in the past 10 days
  • Prime minister announced that Greece would suspend asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months
LAVRIO: More than 500 migrants arrived at the port of Lavrio near Athens on Thursday after being intercepted south of the island of Crete, as Greece implements emergency measures to address a surge in Mediterranean crossings from Libya.
The migrants, consisting mostly of young men, were transferred overnight aboard a bulk carrier after their fishing trawler was intercepted by Greek authorities. Service vessels helped bring them ashore at the mainland port. They will be sent to detention facilities near the capital.
More than 200 migrants were brought to the port of Piraeus, also near Athens, in separate transfers from Crete. The transfers to the mainland were ordered because makeshift reception centers on Crete have reached capacity, with around 500 new arrivals per day on the Mediterranean island since the weekend.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Wednesday that Greece would suspend asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months. The new measures are due to be voted on in parliament on Thursday as an emergency amendment.
“This is an extreme and urgent situation, and we are taking extraordinary steps, ones that are difficult, tough, and strict. But they send a clear message,” Manos Logothetis, secretary-general at the ministry of migration, told state-run television.
“These measures are a clear statement from the Greek government — and by extension, from Europe — that we can no longer accept migration flows from North Africa,” he said. “People there need to think twice before deciding to pay a large sum of money to come to our country.”
Logothetis said that Greece backed EU initiatives linking financial aid to African countries to their willingness to receive their citizens deported or agreeing to voluntary repatriation from Europe.
Greece says more than 7,000 migrants have been detained over the past 10 days after traveling from Libya to Crete — a surge that occurred despite an overall drop in illegal migration to Europe. The European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex, on Thursday reported that irregular crossings into the EU dropped by 20 percent in first half of 2025 on an annual basis though increases were recorded in parts of the Mediterranean.
The crisis on Crete coincided with a diplomatic spat between the European Union and Libya over migration cooperation. EU officials earlier this week were turned away from eastern Libya following an apparent disagreement on the format of talks planned on curbing crossings.
Authorities on Crete are struggling to provide basic services, using temporary facilities to house migrants, primarily from Somalia, Sudan, Egypt and Morocco, according to island officials. The New York-based aid organization International Rescue Committee criticized asylum pause in Greece. “Seeking refuge is a human right; preventing people from doing so is both illegal and inhumane,” the group’s Martha Roussou said. “People fleeing conflict and disaster must be treated with dignity and provided fair and lawful access to asylum procedures — not detained or turned away.”

Pakistan’s national airline concludes month-long post-Hajj flight operation

Pakistan’s national airline concludes month-long post-Hajj flight operation
Updated 8 min 29 sec ago

Pakistan’s national airline concludes month-long post-Hajj flight operation

Pakistan’s national airline concludes month-long post-Hajj flight operation
  • Pakistan International Airlines’ final post-Hajj flight arrived in Islamabad from Madinah, says airline
  • PIA says repatriated over 41,500 pilgrims in total since June 10 using Boeing 777, Airbus A320 aircraft

KARACHI: Pakistan’s national flag carrier announced concluding its month-long post-Hajj flight operation on Thursday, saying it had repatriated 41,500 pilgrims since June 10 from .

Pakistan concluded its 33-day pre-Hajj flight operation in May, transporting more than 115,000 pilgrims to under both the government and private schemes for the annual Islamic pilgrimage. The Pakistan International Airline (PIA) began its post-Hajj flight operation on June 10.

The final post-Hajj flight operated by PIA arrived in Islamabad from Madinah at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, the national airline’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“In total, over 41,500 pilgrims were repatriated to Pakistan via 147 flights operated by PIA,” the spokesperson said. “PIA maintained an on-time departure rate of over 90 percent for its Hajj flights.”

The airline said its post-Hajj operation was conducted from Pakistan’s Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan and Peshawar cities. The airline used its Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 aircraft for the operation.

“Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by PIA,” the airline’s spokesperson said.

Pakistan has already started the registration process for Hajj 2026, with over 313,000 individuals completing the process. Intending pilgrims can register for the annual Islamic pilgrimage next year through the religion ministry’s online portal and 15 designated banks.

Pakistan has extended the deadline to register for Hajj 2026 till July 11.


Libya’s unity government, Turkiye strengthen military cooperation with agreement in Ankara

Libya’s unity government, Turkiye strengthen military cooperation with agreement in Ankara
Updated 11 min 32 sec ago

Libya’s unity government, Turkiye strengthen military cooperation with agreement in Ankara

Libya’s unity government, Turkiye strengthen military cooperation with agreement in Ankara
  • Deal outlines cooperation in military fields to enhance Libyan army’s readiness, professionalism
  • Libya’s undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense met Yasar Guler, Turkey’s minister of national defense

LONDON: Libya and Turkiye signed an agreement on Thursday to enhance the Libyan army’s military capabilities through advanced training and logistical support.

The National Unity Government based in Tripoli said that Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, visited Ankara to work on strengthening military cooperation between Libya and Turkiye. During his visit, he met Yasar Guler, the Turkish minister of national defense, as well as the undersecretary of the ministry of defense.

The agreement outlines cooperation in military fields to enhance the Libyan army’s readiness and professionalism. Al-Zoubi said that the cooperation is part of Tripoli’s plan to develop the Libyan army, praising the strategic relationship with Ankara. He said cooperation with Turkiye is a key priority for the Ministry of Defense’s institutional development program.

Turkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to support Tripoli’s defense capabilities, highlighting its strategic partnership, the statement added.


to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year

 will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country’s public school system.
will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country’s public school system.
Updated 20 min 52 sec ago

to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year

 will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country’s public school system.
  • Students will learn to develop innovative technology solutions, beginning in elementary and high schools, and continuing through university studies

RIYADH:  will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country’s public school system beginning in the coming academic year.

The introduction of this nationwide AI curriculum will support the Kingdom’s Human Capability Development Program, part of the Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, which is designed to create a comprehensive education system that strengthens core values and boosts the nation’s global competitiveness and AI leadership.

Students will learn how to develop innovative technology solutions, beginning in elementary school and continuing through secondary education, university studies, technical training and lifelong-learning programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The curriculum unveiled by the National Curriculum Center, with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, features age-appropriate AI modules in the form of interactive and hands-on teaching. They are designed to connect between grade levels to ensure progressive development of skills and comprehensive student-evaluation systems.

It follows the announcement by the SDAIA in April, during the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh, of an “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” course for third-year high school students in the general track, in collaboration with the Curriculum Center and the Education Ministry.

This introductory course will serve as the initial phase of the curriculum development and establish the groundwork for the incorporation of AI concepts throughout academic programs, the Saudi Press Agency added.


Kariman Abuljadayel becomes Al-Nassr’s first cross-country skier

Kariman Abuljadayel becomes Al-Nassr’s first cross-country skier
Updated 22 min 56 sec ago

Kariman Abuljadayel becomes Al-Nassr’s first cross-country skier

Kariman Abuljadayel becomes Al-Nassr’s first cross-country skier
  • Pioneering athlete signed contract on Wednesday, marking new chapter in her sporting journey and a bold step for winter sports in the Kingdom

JEDDAH: Saudi Olympian Kariman Abuljadayel has made history once again, this time by becoming the first cross-country skier to join Al-Nassr Club, the first Saudi sports club to officially add a winter sport to its roster.

The pioneering athlete signed a contract on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in her sporting journey and a bold step for winter sports in the Kingdom.

“This truly feels like a new chapter for me as well,” Abuljadayel told Arab News.

“I first tried cross-country skiing back in 2019 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as a form of endurance training during winter — not knowing that a few years down the road it would become my main sport.”

From representing as the Kingdom’s first female sprinter at the Rio 2016 Olympics to co-founding the Saudi Rowing Federation, Abuljadayel is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Her move to Al-Nassr continues that legacy.

“I’ve learned what it takes to help build a new sport from the ground up in the Kingdom,” she said.

“This time, it’s cross-country skiing, and I’m excited not only by the sport itself but also by the incredible culture around it. My hope is to inspire more women in to get involved, and to ensure that this journey is inclusive — welcoming para-athletes and creating opportunities for everyone to be part of this pioneering movement.”

Abuljadayel famously competed in the 100m at Rio 2016, finishing seventh in her heat. That same year she raced in the 60m at the World Athletics Championships in Portland, USA. Afterward, she pivoted to rowing and was selected to represent the Saudi national team.

Now focused on cross-country skiing, Abuljadayel acknowledged the challenges of training for a winter sport in a desert climate — but sees opportunity rather than limitation.

From representing as the Kingdom’s first female sprinter at the Rio 2016 Olympics to co-founding the Saudi Rowing Federation, Abuljadayel is no stranger to breaking boundaries. (Supplied)

“Al-Nassr Club is making history as the first in to add a winter sport and I’m honored to lead the way. Living in Riyadh, I want to show people that you don’t need year-round snow to pursue this sport,” she said.

“Most professional skiers train on roller skis during the summer, which closely replicate skiing on snow.”

She pointed to Riyadh’s Sport Boulevard project, a major new development featuring car-free paths for sports and outdoor activities, as an ideal venue for roller-ski training.

“You can often find me training there. Every time, people stop to ask what sport I’m doing, which shows just how much curiosity and excitement there is. I truly believe Riyadh has huge potential to become a real training hub for cross-country skiing.”

Abuljadayel now hopes to grow the sport through local events, workshops and community training sessions.

“I want to raise awareness, spark interest and inspire more people to discover this unique sport — and to see that it’s possible right here at home,” she said.

Looking ahead, Abuljadayel has her sights firmly set on the Olympic Games.

“This is such an exciting time to be part of cross-country skiing and winter sports in , especially with the Asian Winter Games coming to Trojena, NEOM, in 2029,” she said.

“By representing in winter sports, I also get to highlight the incredible diversity of my country’s landscape — deserts, seas, mountains, and yes, even snow. Not many countries can say that, and it’s something I’m truly proud to share through this journey.”