STEPHEN Hawking has sent a stark warning out to the world, stating that the invention of artificial intelligence (AI) could be the "worst event in the history of our civilisation”
Speaking at the Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon, Portugal, the theoretical physicist reiterated his warning against the rise of powerful, conscious machines.
While Prof Hawking admitted that AI could be used for good, he also stated that humans need to find a way to control it so that it does not become more powerful than us as "computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence, and exceed it."
Looking at the positives, the 75-year old said AI could help undo some of the damage that humans have inflicted on the natural world, help beat disease and “transform” every aspect of society.
But, there are negatives that come with it.
The University of Cambridge alumni said: "Success in creating effective AI, could be the biggest event in the history of our civilisation. Or the worst. We just don't know.
“So we cannot know if we will be infinitely helped by AI, or ignored by it and side-lined, or conceivably destroyed by it.
"Unless we learn how to prepare for, and avoid, the potential risks, AI could be the worst event in the history of our civilisation.
“It brings dangers, like powerful autonomous weapons, or new ways for the few to oppress the many. It could bring great disruption to our economy.”
Prof Hawking added that to make sure AI is in line with our goals, creators need to "employ best practice and effective management.”
But he still has hope: "I am an optimist and I believe that we can create AI for the good of the world.
“That it can work in harmony with us. We simply need to be aware of the dangers, identify them, employ the best possible practice and management, and prepare for its consequences well in advance.”
Just last week, Prof Hawking warned that AI will replace us as the dominant being on the planet.
"I fear that AI may replace humans altogether. If people design computer viruses, someone will design AI that improves and replicates itself.
“This will be a new form of life that outperforms humans.”
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