Isaac Project, A Novel of Artificial Intelligence

by Joe Vadalma

Perhaps you've read science-fiction or seen movies such as The Terminator featuring human-like robots. Is the creation of such a creature possible with today's technology? What if a high tech corporation decided to build one? Could it? What would the impact be on our society? What would be the philosophical and political issues associated with the creation of a mechanical intelligence in the form of a human being? The Isaac Project tries to answer these questions. It is the story of the creation of a humanoid robot using artificial intelligence technology available today. It handles the research and development aspect of such a project in a realistic manner with believable characters. The major characters GERI CHRANOWSKI, a strong-willed robotics expert and ambitious woman whose drive to climb the corporate ladder makes enemies of her underlings and ruins her love life. JACK WESTCOTT, a scientist, whose passionate pacifism and his fight to keep his young mistress endanger the project. FREDERICK WOLFGANG, a petty tyrant and bigot whose software expertise is essential to the project completion, causes a major disaster because of his egoism and prejudices.

212 pages, ebook

First published September 30, 2004

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinking Universal Robots and Computers (TURC) Corporation is in strong competition with the Shinto Corporation. As a clever marketing ploy, TURC intends to build and market a new type of robot. This robot will look, react, and think like a human being. This effort is no small task. The best of the best in robotics, computer programming, and human psychology are gathered for this top secret project, financed by the military. Each of these people is a master at his or her field. Nevertheless, as individuals these specialists represent a wide array of diverse educational experiences, backgrounds, abilities, issues, and viewpoints.

The Isaac Project describes the trials and triumphs of this diverse team of specialists as they complete their efforts to create Isaac, a walking, talking, thinking robot. The dynamics between these very different individuals is extremely complex and has direct influences on the future of this unique project. Thus, though completely entertaining, this book explores a number of important concerns and perspectives associated with creating a thinking human-like machine as well as some real life issues about education, racism, abuse, love, and workplace romance. Moreover, these complex character dynamics add a dimension of reality to this very interesting and creative science fiction storyline.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it, BUT. It could stand to be edited more carefully. There are repeated errors that broke the spell of the story for me. Misspellings, calling things by incorrect names, etc. Loved the story though.