Stephen Hawking fears artifical intelligence and killer computers will DESTROY humanity
Brainbox professor warns of apocalyptic disaster scenario where machines decide to wipe us out
PROFESSOR Stephen Hawking has warned that developing Artificial Intelligence could literally be “the last thing we do” as a species.
The world-renowned scientist hinted at a potential apocalyptic nightmare scenario similar to those played out popular sci-fi films like Terminator and The Matrix – where robots rule over humans.
Speaking in Cambridge yesterday, Hawking said the arrival of machines that can think could end up with them becoming more intelligent than people – and deciding they no longer need to serve us.
Such a development could follow the creation of new autonomous weapons, and bring with it ever more advanced methods of oppression.
The brainbox physicist was addressing an audience at the launch of The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, which will explore the implications of the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence.
Professor Hawking said: “I believe there is no deep difference between what can be achieved by a biological brain and what can be achieved by a computer.
“It therefore follows that computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence – and exceed it.”
Artificial intelligence was progressing rapidly and there were “enormous” levels of investment, Prof Hawking said.
But while the potential benefits – such as eradicating disease and poverty – were immense, so were the risks, he added.
“In short, success in creating AI could be the biggest event in the history of our civilisation,” Prof Hawking said.
“But it could also be the last unless we learn how to avoid the risks.
“Alongside the benefits, AI will also bring dangers – like powerful autonomous weapons, or new ways for the few to oppress the many.
“It will bring great disruption to our economy.”
The professor is not the first to warn of this danger – with MPs suggesting vast numbers of Brits could be put out of work by superior machines in the future.
Prof Hawking continued: “In the future, AI could develop a will of its own – a will that is in conflict with ours.
“In short, the rise of powerful AI will be either the best, or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity.”
Prof Hawking went on to call for further research in the area, and praised the launch of the new centre, saying the work there would be “crucial to the future of our civilisation and of our species”.
It is not the first time the boffin has issued a warning of humanity’s impending doom.
Speaking in a space documentary, Prof Hawking said: “Meeting an advanced civilization could be like Native Americans encountering Columbus.
“That didn’t turn out so well.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368.