Slave. A machine or component controlled by another machine or component.

Humans started extending their physical capabilities very early. They invented tools to expand their power and facilitate work. Over the centuries mechanical instruments were replaced with more sophisticated machinery.

Expert System. Computer software that attempts to simulate the reasoning of a human specialist.

Early computing machines were already developed in the 18th and 19th century. Their aim was to facilitate and speed up the solution of mathematical problems. With the onset of World War II computer technology also started catching the attention of governments.

Today computers are smaller, faster and cheaper than ever. They have colonised offices and homes. And specialists have equipped them with a certain amount of intelligence, continuing to work towards a copy of the human mind in the form of chips and code.

Liberty vs. Dependence. Modern technologies have attained widespread use and acceptance in the working world. They stir fears and doubts, but also revive dreams of freedom and independence. Visionaries see the future worker as self-determined nomad, liberated from traditional restrictions and constraints through laptops, cellular phones and networking technology. Yet the promises might not be as tempting as they seem.