Artificial intelligence (AI) is already an integral part of our lives today, even though it often operates behind the scenes. Where will this development lead, and what will it mean for us? Jens Kipper explains how modern AI works, what it is already capable of today, and what impact its use in weapon systems, medicine and science, the workplace, and elsewhere will have. Kipper argues that the development of AI will lead to significant societal upheavals. He also explains what factors will determine whether these upheavals will be of a positive nature and what we can do to steer the changes shaped by the use of AI in the right direction.