1. Predicting the future isn't easy. In 1943 Thomas Watson, chairman of the company IBM, said, "I think there's a world market for about five computers. ' Even in the 1970s, many experts were saying, 'No one will want a computer in their home.' But today, computer technology is everywhere. 2. "You already have several computers in your kitchen,' says Dr. Rodney Brooks of MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), pointing to the computer chips in out coffee makers, fridges, washing machines and ovens. It is almost impossible to imagine a world without computers.
3. Dr. Brooks is director of MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He says that computers are not only becoming more common, they're getting smarter too. They're starting to think.
4. Scientist at AI Research are developing their own thinking robot, called Hal. Child expert Anat Treister - Goren is teaching Hal to speak. She talks to him and reads him children's stories. Baby Hal is growing up fast, and his language level is improving quickly. Soon, if you speak to him, you might think he's human!
5. Al experts are optimistic, They hope that, one day, intelligent machines will be all around us. Perhaps everyone will have a Hal their own personal assistant, Ifyou've got a question, Hal will know the answer. If you want to go on a trip, Hal will be able to make all the arrangements. He'll never get tired, he'll never be ill and be'll never get angry, The technology is almost here. Think about it. Would you like your own "Hal"?

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