A robot journalist has been added to the staff of Chinese news agency Xinhua - and its first interview was with a professor of artificial intelligence.

The robot, called Jia Jia, carried out a long-distance interview with US commentator Kevin Kelly on Monday (April 24). It also had interactive conversations with various computer experts.

The robot was created by professor Chen Xiaopin, director of robots at the China University of Science and Technology in Hefei, Anhui province. It is capable of providing its own expressions and can identify the language and face of the person it's talking to.

The scientists said the robot has a "symbolic importance" as it's the first time a "journalist with artificial intelligence" has had a conversation with a human being.

"It's something we never imagined," said the creator. "Many unpredictable elements of the dialogue during the interview were a challenge for us."

He continued by explaining that Jia Jia "is a third-generation (robot). Jia Jia 3.5 will be ready soon, and Jia Jia 4.0 and Jia Jia 5.0 will be even better."

Chen said that, while robotic science has hitherto focused on the brains of the droids, he will now be looking at giving Jia Jia a 'heart' with real emotions.

Watch Jia Jia giving its interview here: