Skip to main content current edition: International edition The Guardian - Back to home Become a supporter Subscribe Find a job Jobs Sign in Search Show More Close with google Next-gen tech Artificial intelligence might be a threat to humans but not for the reasons you think Nigel Shadbolt AI computers will benefit humanity – and fears that they might determine that the planet would prosper without us are unfounded.
 But machines needn’t be self-aware to pose a threat A still from Ex Machina.
 depicted in Ex Machina, is as far away as ever.
 Universal Pictures International (UPI) / Film4 Photograph: Universal Pictures International (UPI) / Film4 Next-gen tech Artificial intelligence might be a threat to humans but not for the reasons you think Nigel Shadbolt AI computers will benefit humanity – and fears that they might determine that the planet would prosper without us are unfounded.
 But machines needn’t be self-aware to pose a threat Contact author @Nigel_Shadbolt Thu 22 Jan ‘15 14.
16 GMT Last modified on Wed 22 Feb ‘17 18.
19 GMT The new year saw the publication of an open letter from leading artificial intelligence experts arguing for vigilance so as to ensure that this fast developing field benefits humanity.
 It follows hard on the heels of Stephen Hawking’s worries that super smart computers could spell the end of the human race.