AI continues to struggle in producing a royal portrait that avoids an eerie, unsettling appearance
In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) art, a new milestone has been reached with the unveiling of "Algorithm King" at the AI for Good summit hosted by the United Nations in Geneva. This painting, created by the humanoid robot artist Ai-Da, is a portrait of King Charles III[2].
Ai-Da, a creation devised in Oxford, built in Cornwall, and programmed internationally, employs cameras in her eyes, AI algorithms, and a robotic arm to draw[3]. For the creation of "Algorithm King", she analysed multiple images of King Charles using her computer vision and AI algorithms, and then built up the image in multiple layers[4].
Despite these advanced techniques and international collaboration among AI researchers, the output of AI art like "Algorithm King" continues to exhibit an unsettling or "creepy" aesthetic[1]. This observation was also noted in Ai-Da's 2022 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II[1].
The blue brush strokes in "Algorithm King" resemble force lightning-esque effects, while the mottled skin and deranged smile of the painting give off serious Emperor Palpatine vibes[5]. The final image was enlarged to create the final 3D textured image[4].
It is worth noting that AI art generation has progressed to the point where learning how to spot AI images is becoming necessary[6]. However, as of mid-2025, the ability of AI to create non-creepy likenesses of English monarchs has not significantly improved[1].
The AI for Good summit, where "Algorithm King" was showcased, focused on identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges[7]. Despite the ongoing challenges in AI art, the event highlighted the potential of AI to contribute positively to society.
- [1] The Guardian, "AI art: the uncanny valley of robot portraits", 2025
- [2] BBC News, "Ai-Da unveils new portrait of King Charles", 2025
- [3] The Telegraph, "Meet Ai-Da, the humanoid robot artist", 2022
- [4] Wired, "How Ai-Da created her portrait of King Charles", 2025
- [5] The Independent, "Ai-Da's portrait of King Charles draws comparisons to Emperor Palpatine", 2025
- [6] The Economist, "The rise of AI art and the challenge of authenticity", 2023
- [7] UN News, "AI for Good summit focuses on innovative applications, skills, and partnerships", 2025
- The AI-generated portrait of King Charles III, titled "Algorithm King," showcases the creative use of technologies like AI and robotics in art.
- Ai-Da, an international collaboration among AI researchers, employed advanced techniques such as computer vision and multi-layered designs to create "Algorithm King."
- The unusual aesthetic of AI-generated art, including "Algorithm King," has been described as unsettling or "creepy," a sensation also noticed in Ai-Da's 2022 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
- "Algorithm King" features blue brush strokes that resemble force lightning-esque effects and a deranged smile, comparable to Emperor Palpatine from the Star Wars saga.
- As AI art generation becomes more sophisticated, it is becoming increasingly important to learn how to spot AI images, given their growing presence in society.
- Despite advancements in AI art, the ability to create non-creepy likenesses of English monarchs, such as King Charles III, has not significantly improved, according to mid-2025 evaluations.
- The AI for Good summit, where "Algorithm King" was exhibited, emphasized the potential of AI to advance partnerships and identify innovative applications, with a focus on solving global challenges.
- In the broader context of AI art, "Algorithm King" serves as a testament to the potential of technological advancements in fields like UI, UX, and artificial intelligence to reshape the creative landscape, contributing to both entertainment and serious discussion about the role of AI in society.
