A British-made robot that uses algorithms and cameras to create works of art has been released by Egyptian customs after spending 10 days in detention.
Ai-da, the creation of Oxford-based gallery owner Aidan Meller, was held at the border last week by agents who feared her robotics may have been covert spy tools.
Mr Meller had been intending to take her to an art show in Cario which opens today where Ai-da is due to exhibit her works - but instead sparked a minor diplomatic incident that ended up embroiling the British ambassador.
Ai-da, who is named after 19th century scientist and mathematician Ada Lovelace, was eventually released late Wednesday - just hours before the exhibition started.
Ai-da, a British-made robot artist, was stopped at the border with Egypt last week by guards who feared she might be part of a spy plot
Aidan Meller, Ai-da's creator and an Oxford-based gallery owner, then faced a 10-day battle to have her released that dragged in the British ambassador
The British Embassy in Cairo disclosed Ai-da's release to The Guardian on Wednesday evening, saying diplomats are 'glad' the issue has been resolved.
Speaking just ahead of the robot's release, Mr Meller had said: 'The British ambassador has been working through the night to get Ai-Da released.
'We’re right up to the wire now. It’s really stressful.'
Mr Meller said that Ai-da had originally been detained by guards who were suspicious of her modem, a device which connects her to the internet.
He offered to remove it, but then guards raised issues with cameras mounted in her eyes which are essential to her ability to paint.
'I can’t really gouge her eyes out,' he said.
Following the robot's release, Ai-da and Mr Meller entered Egypt just hours before the exhibition opened and are still due to appear.
The show, called Forever is Now, runs from October 21 until November 7 and is being hosted by Art
