Some theoretical scientists have suggested for decades that AI will lead to the extinction of a humanity made obsolete . . .

Fearing the singularity-the point at which the development of artificial intelligence will outpace our capacity to control it-some people are stockpiling supplies in underground bunkers in anticipation. Other, more optimistic experts suggest that, properly regulated, AI will be a great boon to humanity-dramatically increasing the efficiency of scientific research and medical treatment.

Both are very real possibilities, says leading artificial intelligence researcher Toby Walsh. Exploring the development of AI over the last forty years, Walsh interprets its influence since a time before most people had a computer in their home. Through this unique perspective, he contextualizes AI's role in the future of computing, from the digital equivalent of a thousand scientists mapping protein structures to that of a thousand monkeys banging on typewriters.

Will AI be the vehicle of a new golden era of humanity? Or will it drive us into another dark age? Herein is a manual to navigating the future. God AI describes how we use this technology, the history of its evolution, and what we can do to steer it before it accelerates out of our control.