Alien life on other planets could be in the form of robots who have outlived their creators, according to the Astronomer Royal. And alarmingly, that is the same fate which may befall people on Earth too. Numerous Hollywood films have presented the possibilities of robots becoming self-aware and deciding to destroy humans so they can rule the world. But Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, told Cheltenham Science Festival robots taking over was a possibility. No life beyond Earth has ever been found; there is no evidence that alien life has ever visited our planet.

It's a question that has sent many a space fanatic into orbit: How will humans survive on other planets? Now one of the country's leading astronomers believes the answer could be even more out of this world – by making future explorers part cyborg. Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, said modern space pioneers could try to modify themselves and become a mix of'flesh, blood and electronics'. Referencing entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk, Lord Rees told the Hay Festival: 'These intrepid explorers on Mars will be out of the clutches of the regulators and they will have every incentive to modify themselves because they are very badly adapted for Mars. The Astronomer Royal, Martin Rees said modern space pioneers could try to modify themselves and become a mix of'flesh, blood and electronics' (Stock image) Human hand and robot's as a symbol of connection between people and artificial intelligence technology'They will use all these techniques to adapt themselves.