Humans will soon have a 'robot second-self', say Microsoft bosses

Robot'alter-egos' that are a digital extension of our consciousness and know everything about us will soon be a reality. That's according to Microsoft executive, Brad Smith and Harry Shum, who are working to develop advanced AI software capable of mimicking human thought. This breakthrough - which some fear could spell the beginning of the end for humanity - will come over the next two decades, they say. They also warn that controls should be put in place to prevent intelligent machines from acting against the interests of society and people. Robot'alter-egos' that know everything about you will become an everyday reality within 20 years, say artificial intelligence experts.