Welcome to the Machine: Computer Games That Care for You

Artificial intelligence (AI) already offers customer service solutions to business and, with the help of the multi-billion dollar computer gaming industry, will be helping healthcare organisations to manage the physical fitness of ageing populations in the near future. Researchers are now improving on the techniques employed in existing computer games to develop home-use applications that can supervise movement. With high-speed data transmission, the next generation of healthcare providers may be virtual physiotherapists who guide patients through entertaining electronic rehabilitation "games" and send updates to their doctors. And that's just the beginning, says international AI expert, Lundy Lewis, a visiting professor at the University of New South Wales. Don't hit the pause button! Soon university students may be discussing their courses with virtual professors.