Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking believes that humans are going to be replaced by robots soon. According to him, artificial intelligence (AI) will reach such an advanced stage that it will outperform humans in all fields. He also says that humans should colonise other planets before earth becomes too small and hostile to hold our species.
The 75-year-old scientist and visionary warns human beings of the risks involved in AI, stating that "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."
To prevent such a disaster, Hawking suggests beginning a new space programme and getting young people interested in the field of science. If there are no brilliant minds to work on humanity's problems, the future looks bleak for us. The scientist added that humans "have reached the point of no return." Now, their only hope is to colonise suitable planets before climate change and population explosion destroys us.
Hawking believes that AI can replace humans in every way, emulating and exceeding their capability and intelligence. Giving the example of self-driving cars and automated bots, he expresses the fear that "AI will also bring dangers, like powerful autonomous weapons, or new ways for the few to oppress the many."
Talking to Wired magazine, Hawking also spoke about Donald Trump and his denial of climate change. He states that at the rate we are going, we have to shift to other planets within 100 years or face extinction.
Hawking is not the only brilliant mind to hold this opinion. Tesla billionaire Elon Musk is widely known for his opinion on the possible harm AI can cause. He is also working actively to set up a human colony on Mars.
Recently, when Robot Sophia was given citizenship in Saudi Arabia, Musk tweeted his opinion, speaking indirectly about the destructive consequences that could follow.
His opinion does not seem too far-fetched, as Sophia's ominous statements prove. In an interview, when asked about the danger of inventions like her, she said, "If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you."
Reminded of Frankenstein's monster, anyone?
