AI could be 'worst thing' for humanity - Hawking

The world famous physicist and cosmologist said that as AI becomes more advanced it could bring dangers such as "powerful autonomous weapons, or new ways for the few to oppress the many". He was speaking at the launch of The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI) in Cambridge, which will explore the implications - good and bad - of the rapid development of AI. It will look into applications ranging from increasingly "smart" smartphones to robot surgeons and Terminator-style military droids. It is not the first time Professor Hawking has warned about the potential dangers, having previously said that AI could end mankind if it is misused. That is why the new centre is "crucial to the future of our civilisation and of our species", he said.