There was lots to get excited about this evening thanks to the launch of the Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI), Cambridge University's new 10m initiative to tackle the big questions around the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The Cambridge cosmologist Professor Stephen Hawking was guest of honour and took the floor to have his say. He has been outspoken about the potential benefits- and dangers- of AI. Speaking ahead of the event, he said: "The rise of powerful AI will be either the best or the worst thing to ever happen to humanity. We do not yet know which. "The research done by this centre will be crucial to the future of civilisation and of our species." Prof Hawking addressed assembled guests and dignitaries in Cambridge, at the newly-refurbished David Attenborough Building. He said: "We spend a great deal of time studying history, which let's face it, is the history of stupidity.