Hanson Robotics to Mass Produce 'Sophia the Robot' Sophia the Robot from Hong Kong-based manufacturer Hanson Robotics is expected to be produced for the masses by the end of this year, as the company reveals. "The world of COVID-19 is going to need more and more automation to keep people safe," founder and chief executive of the company, David Hanson, said as reported by Fox News. The company is gearing up to produce all the four models "in the first half of 2021," as vaccines began to roll out in several countries. Although Hanson is yet to announce a specific number, the company aims to sell "thousands" of robots, both large and small.