With recent advances and investment in artificial intelligence, are we on the verge of introducing virtual public servants? Governments around the world are rapidly deploying robots and virtual agents in healthcare, education, local government, social care, and criminal justice. These advances not only promise unprecedented levels of control and convenience at a reduced cost but also claim to connect, to empathise, and to build trust. This book documents how¿after decades of designing out costly face to face transactions, investment in call centres, and incentivising citizens to self-service¿the tech industry is promising to re-humanise our frontline public services. It breaks out of disciplinary silos and moves us