How Far Are We From 'True' Artificial Intelligence – And Do We Really Want To Go There?

Artificial Intelligence is something that's been on the horizon for a long time – probably as long as anyone reading this will be able to remember. Since its emergence into the public consciousness through science fiction, we have understood with certainty that one day machines will have "intelligence", and considered the ethical and philosophical implications. AI is one of the biggest buzzwords in tech, and fundamental to most predictions how IT will enable change and growth in coming years. Everything is now "smart", we are consistently told – and doom mongers (including some very smart people!) are predicting that we are rushing headlong towards calamity. But is this all marketing hype?