Are you a Python coder looking for a simple way to dip your toes into the artificial intelligence waters? A new open source virtual assistant project may be just what you're looking for.

Rather than plug into an existing system, he rolled his own by combining open source packages for controlling his various smart devices with the aptly named SpeechRecognition library for Python.

Mercedes says its virtual assistant transforms the "car-driver relationship." The artificially intelligent computer KITT from "Knight Rider" could do it all -- drive solo, speak to humans, land ...

A virtual assistant performs administrative tasks like scheduling and handling communications from a remote location. Here's how to become a virtual assistant.