Will the machines take over our jobs? Ipsos MORI Almanac

People have always had a fascination with robots – from Da Vinci's automatons in the 15th century right the way through to Channel 4's biggest drama hit in 20 years, Humans, which is back for a second season. The power and capability of robotics and computing is increasing at pace – Google Deepmind's AlphaGo programme finally beat Lee Sedol at the game'Go' earlier this year, something programmes have aimed for since IBM's Deep Blue beat chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1995. Our fascination at this progress is certainly tinged with fear. While it may make for excellent TV, we are not comfortable with the idea of machines coming for our jobs, our partners and world domination. The robot apocalypse is still (hopefully) a while off, so rather than hiding in a bunker and waiting for the end, we should instead look to the world of chess as an example of how to make the most of technology.