Just as researchers make great strides in the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), Prof Hawkingt leaves behind plenty of warnings on machine-based learning humanity should still take notice of. While Prof Hawking admitted that AI could be used for good, he also stated that humans need to find a way to control it so that it does not become more powerful than us as "computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence, and exceed it." Looking at the positives, Prof Hawking said AI could help undo some of the damage that humans have inflicted on the natural world, help beat disease and "transform" every aspect of society. But, there are negatives that come with it, he warned.

Humans must leave Earth in the next 200 years if we want to survive. That was the stark warning issued by Professor Stephen Hawking in the months before his death today at the age of 76. The legendary physicists believed that life on Earth could be quickly wiped out by a disaster, such as an asteroid strike, AI, over-population and climate change. He believed, if our species had any hope of survival, future generations would need to forge a new life in space. Humans must leave Earth within 200 years if we want to survive.

Renowned physicist Prof Stephen Hawking has said robots will eventually completely replace humanity. Prof Hawking said that he believes artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually reach a level where it will essentially be a "new form of life that will outperform humans" in an interview with WIRED magazine. He said: "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."

Prof Stephen Hawking, one of Britain's pre-eminent scientists, has said that efforts to create thinking machines pose a threat to our very existence. He told the BBC:"The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race." His warning came in response to a question about a revamp of the technology he uses to communicate, which involves a basic form of AI. The theoretical physicist, who has the motor neurone disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is using a new system developed by Intel to speak. Machine learning experts from the British company Swiftkey were also involved in its creation.

Prof Stephen Hawking, one of Britain's pre-eminent scientists, has said that efforts to create thinking machines pose a threat to our very existence. He told the BBC:"The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race." His warning came in response to a question about a revamp of the technology he uses to communicate, which involves a basic form of AI. The theoretical physicist, who has the motor neurone disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is using a new system developed by Intel to speak. Machine learning experts from the British company Swiftkey were also involved in its creation.