I remember an AI movie from a couple years back -- looked it up: Transcendence.
One way or another they loaded the brain of a dying smart guy into a computer and he was turned loose into cyberspace. Soon "he" was manipulating markets, building a large research compound off the grid, and before too long manipulating people/installing a chip/code in them to make them stronger and loyal. Towards the end he was close recreating a human body for himself -- I believe an army of concerned citizens and his love torn former wife tried confronting him in the end (will not ruin the ending in case anyone wanted to watch it).

I know its just another Hollywood script but fascinating to think about how we may aid in humanity's eventual insignificance.

I know I am out of view from the machines though, I have the webcam on my laptop covered in tape.