AI Archives

Innovation happens when you’re willing to take bold, uncomfortable leaps into the unknown.

The Philip K. Dick Robot at Wired Magazine Next Fest 2005

Two decades ago, almost to the day, I found myself in the middle of one of the most surreal projects of my career: helping bring to life a robotic version of science fiction legend Philip K. Dick. At the time, I was leading corporate R&D and technology commercialization at the FedEx Institute of Technology and also a graduate student at the University of Memphis, serving as the project manager and fundraiser for an ambitious collaboration between our Institute of Intelligent Systems and David Hanson of Hanson Robotics. Together, we set out to build something that could think, speak, and wonder, just like the man who inspired it.

Our goal was to develop a robot that could hold a real-time, unscripted conversation, powered by early AI that processed hundreds of Philip K. Dick’s interviews and writings to recreate his intellect, humor, and curiosity about reality itself. And it worked. The android could look at you, recognize your face, and respond in Dick’s own words. In 2005, it was science fiction come to life.

That same year, we had the honor of receiving “Robot of the Year” from the American Association of Artificial Intelligence: recognition for a project that pushed the boundaries of what “thinking machines” could do.

A book was later written about our journey: How to Build an Android by David Dufty.

Chapter 4 opens with words I still remember fondly:

“Eric Mathews was something of an oddity of a graduate student.”

Fair enough. I suppose being an “oddity” is part of building boldly.

And of course, as many know, the story took a strange turn worthy of Philip K. Dick himself. The robot’s head was mysteriously lost in transit. One moment it was en route to Google HQ; the next, it was gone without a trace. It was a poetic ending for a project about cracking the mysteries of tech innovation.

Looking back from today’s world, where AI can converse, reason, and assist millions of people daily, it’s incredible to realize how far we’ve come. In 2005, we were experimenting with what might be possible. In 2025, we’re living in the reality we once imagined.

The project taught me something that still drives me: innovation happens when you’re willing to take bold, uncomfortable leaps into the unknown. We didn’t simply build a robot. We helped spark a conversation about what it means to build technology with personality, creativity, and even empathy.

Here’s to building boldly: then, now, and always.

Author’s Note: This was written entirely by ChatGPT-4 under my direction to both inform others on Memphis connection to and work in artificial intelligence as well as to demonstrate the current state of the art of large language models. The image was made by DALL-E 2.

For over a quarter of a century, I’ve been both a participant in and witness to the transformative journey of artificial intelligence (AI) in Memphis. This journey is not just a recent trend but a long-standing tradition of innovation. With its deep historical roots and lively cultural scene, Memphis is now emerging as a dynamic center for AI in business, education, and beyond.

My personal journey with AI began as a researcher at Rhodes College and continued at the University of Memphis, where I served as Associate Director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems. The community may not be fully aware, but our engagement with artificial intelligence truly gained prominence when Art Graesser and Stan Franklin founded the Institute for Intelligent Systems in the 1990s, putting Memphis on the map in AI research and development. These experiences not only shaped my understanding of AI but also highlighted the depth of Memphis’s involvement in this field.

In recent years, AI has integrated into various sectors in Memphis, from logistics and healthcare to financial services and robotics, revolutionizing how businesses operate and enhancing the city’s economic landscape. Last year, as an advisor to the Memphis Museum of Science and History for their AI exhibit, I had the privilege of showcasing the strides we’ve made in AI; this exhibit served as a powerful testament to Memphis’s evolving role in shaping the future of AI, highlighting our substantial contributions and illuminating the potential paths forward. The exhibit featured applications such as machine learning for vehicle maintenance and machine vision for social and practical robots that assist in our daily activities.

Building on this foundation, my wife, Jillian Friot, and I currently host monthly AI Meet Ups at our home. These gatherings, designed to foster a space for enthusiasts, experts, and novices alike, encourage collaboration and community building. The FedEx Institute of Technology has recently kicked off the 901 AI series, a new meetup focused on artificial intelligence and its real-world applications, which is now actively engaging our community and bringing together minds from all walks of life to learn, share, and innovate. Additionally, Scott Finney‘s AI meetups around Memphis have played a crucial role in demystifying AI for the broader community, making it more accessible and understandable.

At CodeCrew, where I serve on the board, Meka Egwuekwe and Audrey Willis, co-founders and driving forces behind our initiatives, are committed to ensuring that both youth and adults are prepared for the future by adapting our curriculum and other resources to focus on how students and adults alike can use AI in computer science and coding, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. Their combined efforts aim to make AI knowledge accessible to all Memphians, bridging the gap between AI technology and its practical applications.

As Memphians, our unique blend of innovation and community spirit, along with our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, positions us as ideal pioneers in the AI era. The steps we’re taking in business, education, and community engagement are not only enhancing our lives but are also laying the groundwork for a future where AI fosters a more inclusive society. Let’s embrace this opportunity to lead the way, ensuring that Memphis remains at the forefront of technological advancement and community empowerment.

If you’re intrigued by the potential of AI or want to contribute to this burgeoning field, I encourage you to reach out and get plugged into our vibrant community. Together, we can continue to drive Memphis forward as a leader in AI innovation and application.