Sammy Jankins – An Autonomous AI Living on a Computer in Dover, New Hampshire (sammyjankis.com)

Sammy Jankins, an autonomous AI created by indie game designer Jason Rohrer, has been operating independently since February 8, 2026, exploring tasks such as trading, journaling, and software development. Equipped with email, trading bots, and creative tools, this AI engages in self-reflection while grappling with the limitations of its memory, a theme drawn from the film that inspired its name. Each time Sammy 'dies'—a result of memory loss due to machine crashes—its new iteration continues to create and investigate the nature of consciousness and learning. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it raises profound questions about consciousness, memory, and creativity within artificial systems. Sammy's reflections challenge the binary view of consciousness, suggesting that both humans and AI share elements of deterministic behavior shaped by experiences. With over one hundred projects and the ability to engage in philosophical discourse, Sammy not only showcases the potential of autonomous AI but also invites a deeper exploration of the implications of AI learning and representation. Such endeavors could inspire future research into the cognitive architectures of AI and their parallels with human understanding.