Stephen Hawking warns of AI replacing humans as the dominant species on Earth

Earth is becoming too small and humanity is bound to self-destruct, with AI replacing us as the dominant being on the planet, according to scientist Stephen Hawking. Professor Hawking says that our time on Earth is numbered after we passed the point of "no return". The theoretical physicist says that developments in AI have been so great that the machines will one day be more dominant than human beings, express.co.uk reported. He told Wired Magazine: "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." Hawking, 75, said that humans need to leave Earth if we are to continue as a species. He said a new space programme should be humanity's top priority "with a view to eventually colonising suitable planets for human habitation". This will allow us to leave Earth and colonise another planet to ensure our survival, otherwise there will be "serious consequences". Professor Hawking added: "I believe we have reached the point of no return.