Careers in tech: Artificial intelligence

How would you feel if a robot looked after your child? What if that robot was as intelligent as yourself, if not more so, and was able to react to every problem and whim without ever tiring or wanting to scream? For those studying and working in artificial intelligence, creating this kind of situation could so easily become a reality. "AI is embedded in many educational applications," explains Janet Read, a professor in child computer interaction at the University of Central Lancashire, pointing to new gesture recognition and interpretation technologies. "Brain computer interfaces are detecting mood and emotion and in the near future robotic and virtual systems might be able to partially take on the care of children."