] Scientists have been given the biggest ever grant to
] build a "conscious robot". The work will not only bring
] the scores of intelligent, self-aware machines that
] populate science fiction a step closer, it could also
] provide valuable clues on how human consciousness
] develops.
]
] "Consciousness is perhaps the last remaining mystery in
] understanding what it is to be human," said Owen Holland,
] who will lead the work at Essex University. "By
] attempting to build physical systems which can produce a
] form of artificial consciousness, we hope to learn more
] about the nature of consciousness."

Guardian Unlimited | Life | Scientists start work on thinking robot