A key component to the beginning of this professional relationship is to establish open communication with your virtual assistant.

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 ...

The choice between an AI system and a human virtual assistant will ultimately depend on the specific needs and goals of your business.

Yohana is one of a growing crew of virtual-assistant apps that combine artificial intelligence and human labor to help parents manage their family lives.