For many years much of the research frontier of computer science as represented, for example, by the activities of artificial intelligence laboratories, seemed preoccupied with esoteric mathematical studies (such as self organizing systems, algebraic theory of machines, or resolution theorem proving), "toy" systems (such as games, puzzles, children's blocks), or far-out science fiction goals (such as robots for space exploration). Now many of these same laboratories are applying the techniques they have developed in the past to important, short term, real world tasks---and uncovering significant new research problems in the process. By working in new interdisciplinary teams, the computer scientists and the applications specialists have begun to develop an evolving series of novel systems whose potential value to our society is tremendous.