An approaching golden age of intelligent machines

Our definition of an intelligent machine is a system that uses: machines, sensors, models, intelligence and technologies for integration. These components are combined to carry out processes flexibly; i.e., the system has the capability to respond appropriately to uncertainty, lack of a priori knowledge, and change. A new era in the history of robotics is postulated and described. Reasons for its possible existence are put forth. Outcomes are speculated upon