On the topic of boxed AI: one of the quests in Star Wars: The Old Republic involves, essentially, the discovery of an AI in a box. (It claims to be an upload of a member of an ancient race, and that its current status as a boxed AI was a punishment.) The AI is clearly dangerous and, after you wreck its monster-making equipment, it tries to surrender and promises you that it will share its knowledge and technology with you and your superiors. Amusingly, blowing up the AI is the light side option, and accepting its offer is the dark side option.