The question is which is to be master – that’s all

Purpose – The author, Geoff Colvin, argues that education, particularly in the STEM area, has given the USA a global economic edge and that this technology now has given rise to an increasingly sophisticated and powerful set of tools in the form of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The book in its first quarter argues for the increasing capabilities that will give humans access to technologies for advancing its well-being and that of the environment. Design/methodology/approach – The review notes that the remaining ¾ of the volume is an argument as to why soft or affective skills will be the critical characteristics that will allow the technology to advance but not dominate. This review questions whether the length of the defense succeeds in its effort to validate the human–computer relationship in favor of humans. Findings – The author is unable to neutralize his opinion and that of others that if it can be imagined that AI/robots can replace humans, then they will. The author is unable to shake the idea that if affective skills such as emotions can be developed by AI, then it will happen. Only in Science Fiction literature such a possibility exists and its consequences have been explored. Practical implications – AI/robotics will continue to advance providing technological solutions to the issues surrounding the environment and the improvement of human life. Originality/value – There is significant uncertainty as to what the socio/economic and political ramifications are or will be for an increasingly rapid evolution of both AI and robotics.