THEY’LL BE BACK
4 in 10 fear robot takeover
MANY people are scared that machines will destroy the human race in a Terminatorstyle apocalypse.
Four in 10 fear highly-intelligent robots will take over Earth.
And almost 60% are worried about the impact artificial intelligence will have on everyday life.
The fears echo the concerns of Stephen Hawking, who has described AI technology as our “biggest existential threat”.
A third think robots will evolve beyond our understanding and take control, just like in the Terminator films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, with his catchphrase: “I’ll be back.”
The poll of 2,000 UK adults marked the launch of Westworld, which premieres on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV tomorrow night. A third believe theme parks featuring humanoid robots will be a reality within the next 25 years.
Zai Bennett, director of Sky Atlantic, said: “AI and robotics are fast becoming part of everyday life.
“But our research demonstrates just how much we don’t know about this technology or where it could be heading.
“Westworld explores what life might be like if this became a reality.”
AI and robotics expert Professor Noel Sharkey, of the University of Sheffield, said: “We are likely to see robots integrated into society in the near future as shop assistants, receptionists, doctors, bar tenders and also as carers for our elderly and children.”