The Future is Here: The Role of Artificial Intelligence “It’s nice to meet you. My name is Sophia.” This common introduction made headlines across the world. Sophia was a hit, not because of who she is or what she did, but because of what she was. Sophia is a humanoid robot, activated on April 19, 2015. Sophia was built from some of the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, producing a robot with human-like skin to provide over 50 facial expressions to accompany her pre-programmed emotions and knowledge. The first of her kind, Sophia was created by Hanson Robotics as a first step into the future, where scientists predict that humans and robots will live and work alongside one another. If you’re worried this seems taken directly from the plot of a Terminator movie, we are nowhere near the technological capabilities of Skynet. However, a world which uses AI technology in daily life isn’t too far off – we’re already living in it. Artificial intelligence is simply defined as intelligence demonstrated by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence displayed by humans and other animals. The study of artificial intelligence began in the late 1950s, starting with computers able to learn and execute complex chess strategies. From there, AI evolved and everyone from universities to the Department of Defense invested in research and development of AI technology that would make machines just as effective and productive as humans. Beginning in the late 1990’s, AI began to be used for logistics, data mining, medical diagnosis and other areas. In the 21st century, AI research and technology has grown exponentially. Video game players compete with computer teammates and opponents. Siri, Alexa, Cortana and Google Assistant are living in our smartphones and home devices, serving as virtual assistants to provide information and entertainment to us at the sound of their names. Homes are managed by Nest and other systems, regulating everything from room temperature to lighting, adjusting for our comfort based on learned or programmed behaviors. Cars can assist in parking, navigation and accident-prevention – they are even driving themselves. AI is all around us and enhancing our way of life. So, are we close to having our very own autonomous robots to live with us and assist us in our everyday lives, like Rosie of The Jetsons? Not quite. While Sophia (and her later siblings Alice, Albert Einstein Hubo, BINA48, Han, Jules, Professor Einstein, Philip K. Dick Android, Zeno and Joey Chaotic) are advanced compared to earlier technology, we still have a long way to go before we can rely on robots. Critics of Sophia have 22