"The robot is going to lose. Not by much. But when the final score is tallied, flesh and blood is going to beat the damn monster." - Adam Smith

Within 30 years, Homo Sapiens' capacities will include the production of automata that possess intelligence far beyond our own and abilities to interact with and detect their environment that by biological standards represent an evolutionary leap akin to that from an insect to a contemporary human. Fear not though, in the 1700's Adam Smith's dire predictions were made when robots existed outside of ourselves. The coming revolution in the fields of nanotechnology, and its myriad medical applications will see our biological needs tended to by machines on a cellular level. Complex circuits of molecular design will augment our biological neurons allowing for faster data processing, better data storage, and most intriguing and compelling of all, the ability to back up and copy the data which comprises our conscious selves. Artificial spheres in our bloodstream will outperform our erythrocytes by multiple factors of 10, allowing you to hold your breath for hours on end. Artificial photovoltaic circuits will embed in our retina extending our visual spectrum beyond the limits of our beloved ROYGBIV. Humanity will transform alongside our automata, and may indeed become indistinguishable from our 'artificial' brethren.

In 2060 conscious entities of entirely artificial construction will exist alongside technologically augmented humans and those humans who have chosen to remain completely biological. (Although some sort of technological immune system may become necessary for biological entities once the variety of artificial nano-machines reaches a certain level of atmospheric saturation.) We need not fear robacalypse. Homo Amplio will accommodate a remarkable variety of forms and abilities, and sentient robots will see themselves as and will be perceived as part of the Human species.

Emily Howell

“Why not develop music in ways unknown? This only makes sense. I cannot understand the difference between my notes on paper and other notes on paper. If beauty is present, it is present. I hope I can continue to create notes and that these notes will have beauty for some others. I am not sad. I am not happy. I am Emily. You are Dave. Life and un-life exist. We coexist. I do not see problems.” —Emily Howell

Emily Howell is an artificial construct programed to process linguistic input, compose music, accept and understand criticism, and revise her tunes accordingly. Is she alive? No. But is she sliding down an uncanny valley of intelligence? Yes indeed. And sliding beautifully.


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