What is the secret of consciousness? Is it the quantum nano tubules inside our nerve cells? Is it a fundamental force of nature? Is it perhaps something from outside this universe altogether?

Steve Grand is an independent scientist who works on artificial life and, more specifically, creates artificial creatures both inside and outside a computer, namely robots. His first big idea was an artificial life computer game called Creatures, which was published in 1996. He has written up most of his philosophy and ideas about artificial life in a Popular Science book – Creation: Life and how to make it. He has also written another book called, "Growing up with Lucy: how to build an android in twenty easy steps," in which he describes his experiences on his projects.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx