The Heart and the Chip

“Rus sits at the intersection of MIT’s robot, AI, and computer revolutions, and concisely explains what lies ahead.” – Juan Enriquez, author of Evolving Ourselves: How Unnatural Selection and Nonrandom Mutation are Changing Life on Earth“Few people are as qualified as Daniela Rus to explain the present and future of AI and robotics. The Heart and the Chip brims with unique insights into the technological enthusiasm that drives these fields, combined with a deeply ethical perspective on the human dimensions of their application and use. A must read for anyone who wants to invent the future.” – David A. Mindell, cofounder and partner, Unless, and Dibner Professor of the History of Engineering and Manufacturing, MIT“Captivating and optimistic.… [Daniela] Rus and [Gregory] Mone have provided an excellent introduction to the vast potential of robotics, perfect for young dreamers, engineers, and innovators.” – American Biology Teacher“The Heart and the Chip is a great introduction to the field of robotics and AI. It distinguishes hype from reality, but also paints a vivid picture of what might be achievable in the future. The connection between robots and superheroes, and Daniela Rus’s lucid explanations of the shrinking gap between robotics and magic, make it indispensable for any aspiring scientist or engineer. At the same time, her inspiring account of the role technology can play in overcoming the grand challenges that face our civilization makes it a must read for anyone who is concerned about our future.” – Vijay Kumar, professor and Nemirovsky Family Dean, Penn Engineering, University of Pennsylvania“In The Heart and the Chip, Daniela Rus and Gregory Mone describe a future of robots with almost unimaginable potential—in which robots take on new tasks that will help address the pressing challenges of our civilization. They also propose strategies to mitigate potential dangers of a growing number of robots in our midst. An enjoyable and informative discussion of an important set of technologies.” – Susan Hockfield, president emerita, Massachusetts Institute of Technology“Engaging.” – Nature“An authoritative vision of a world where technology allows us to enhance our humanity.” – Kirkus Reviews“A stimulating glimpse into what the future might hold.” – Publishers Weekly”[Rus] knows more about robots and artificial intelligence than just about anyone. Here she takes readers on a tour of the cutting edge of this technology.… She and many of her colleagues envision a world where robots and people cooperate to enhance our abilities, where the human heart and the computer chip work together to make the world better for everyone, especially people who are disabled or disadvantaged.… It’s a compelling vision.” – John Keogh - Booklist

Daniela Rus is a pioneering roboticist, the first female director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow. She lives in Massachusetts.

Gregory Mone is the co-author of four New York Times bestsellers. He lives in Massachusetts.