A few months ago I got really interested in quantum computers.
Scientists have built an 8 bit quantum computer that runs at 10 teraflops. For perspective that's faster then most super computers. The best part is they are looking to build QCs with millions of bytes, which may open the possibility for a true AI that can learn. (I read this when I was researching these things, forget where)
As Muffin said, we're not that far off. Soon we might be able to carry on a conversation with our computer... Or send out a droid to do underwater welding, for example, that can download it's self to another system if it gets damaged whilst submerged. (lol, BS Galactica :P)
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