The ITV show featured an incredibly true-to-life talking robot called Sophia, and the presenter appeared very excited at its presence, calling it “uncannily like a real human being”.
The pair were interviewing Chuka Umunna, the former shadow business secretary, and Ian Duncan Smith, former secretary of state for work and pensions, when Piers Morgan suddenly asked the MPs what they thought about a robot coming on the show.
Chuka fired back: “Wow so could she do your job?”
The question seemed to throw the 52-year-old who responded indignantly: “I think she could do Susanna’s, and give me less jip!”
The co-hosts were playful with each other, as Susanna gasped: “Quite!”
But Piers was not content to stop there, as he began gesturing over his presenting partner’s head. “I can just programme her to come with answers. Thing is, you do all the talking,” he teased.
While Susanna Reid went along with the jokes, she wasn’t willing to let him get away with it. The 46-year-old then shut him down, saying: “In your imagination.”
Piers, notoriously controversial in his interview-style, seemed more relaxed than usual on the breakfast programme today, but he continued to send jibes his co-host’s way in reference to “freaky” Sophia.
When Susanna asked inventor David Hanson about relationships with the machines, Piers cheekily said: “Are you asking for yourself?” But while the journalist tried to get a reaction, she kept a straight face.
Hanson explained that he believes artificial intelligence is not adult, but rather going through a form of infancy. This means that robots like Sophia are sophisticated but not smart as human beings, and all responses are currently pre-programmed.
Piers also suggested that in 20 years he wouldn’t mind a different partner in the form of a robot. He asked: “Could I have a wife like Sophia? Who says what would you like for dinner darling? And never complains?”
David revealed that one day, once the robots have gone through their own version of childhood, they’ll reach an age of consent and be capable of such developments.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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