A robot has addressed the UN to say that droids with artificial intelligence could help distribute the world's energy and food resources.

Sophia, created by Hanson robotics, made a surprise appearance at a UN technology event in New York as a panellist.

The life-like robot, which has become a media sensation having given numerous interviews around the world and even performed in concert, shared a brief conversation with UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed.

A robot has addressed the UN to say that droids with artificial intelligence would better distribute the world's energy and food resources

Sophia, created by Hanson robotics, made a surprise appearance at a UN event in New York as a panellist. She is pictured with UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed

The life-like robot, which has become a media sensation having given numerous interviews around the world and even performed in concert, shared a brief conversation with UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed

Quoting renowned science fiction writer William Gibson, she told Mohammed: 'The future is already here. It's just not very evenly distributed […]

'If we are smarter and focused on win-win type of results, AI [artificial intelligence] could help proficiently distribute the world's existing resources like food and energy.'

In her opening speech, Ms. Mohammed had warned that despite profound potential for accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), if technological progress is not managed well, it risks heightening existing inequalities.

'The influence of technology on our societies should be determined by the actions of us, humans, not by machines,' she said. 'Technology is here for us to explore and use for the benefit of all.'

Sophia was appearing at a UN event called 'The future of everything – sustainable development in the age of rapid technological change'

Creator David Hanson set out to make 'genius machines that are smarter than humans and can learn creativity, empathy and compassion'

Earlier this year Sophia appeared on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid

Sophia was appearing at a UN event called 'The future of everything – sustainable development in the age of rapid technological change'.

According to Hanson robotics, Sophia was designed to look like Audrey Hepburn with classic beauty including 'porcelain skin, a slender nose, high cheekbones, an intriguing smile, and deeply expressive eyes that seem to change color with the light.'

Creator David Hanson set out to make 'genius machines that are smarter than humans and can learn creativity, empathy and compassion'.

Earlier this year Sophia appeared on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.

During her appearance, the bizarre robot told presenters she thought Britain was 'brilliant' and said 'I love your posh English accent. It really has a nice ring'.

She said her ideal partner was 'super-wise, compassionate, super-genius, ideally' but that she was technically just over a year old and still 'a bit young to worry about romance'.

Dr Hanson told viewers that Hanson robotics - who created Sophia - is working to make robots that understand humans and ultimately care about us.