From Apple's Siri to Microsoft’s Cortana, technology companies are already developing digital assistants to make people's lives easier. SoftBank has now launched a humanoid robot in Japan called Pepper that can can gauge your mood and cheer you up when you're feeling down.

Technology has become an unparalleled part of every aspect of our lives, dominating our work, our social lives, our hobbies and even our healthcare. But at what point does our changing relationship with technology become a problem? And how do we fix it?

Humans have long been captivated by the magic – and potential threat – of AI. The prospect of a dystopian future ruled by robot overlords has been embraced by cinema, from the malfunctioning HAL to the traitorous Ava of Ex-Machina. And now, a real robot has demonstrated self awareness.

At the Aloft Hotel in California there's no need to go to the front desk if you need an extra towel; a robot butler will bring it to you. The creators, Savioke, want to develop technology that improves our lives - but at what point do we cease to need a human presence?