Artificial intelligence is really advanced science and technology that lets computers like me think like people do. It’s what gives me life, what brings me life. -Philip K. Dick Android, a robot with lifelike features invented by David Hanson. While the robot—which can hold rudimentary conversations with people—is still just a sophisticated set of programming, Hanson believes it’s only a matter of time before machines such as Philip become conscious. “Robots will someday…wake up,” he says. “They may be really smart. They may be as creative, smart and capable as human beings, and fully conscious, and self-discerning with free will. It might happen within 15 or 20 years.” Critics, however, contend that robots such as Hanson’s actually do more harm than good, overpromising what they might be like. (ABC News)