Humans could become “slaves to the machines” just like in The Matrix as artificial intelligence evolves, a government adviser has warned.
Dame Wendy Hall said there was a “finite” chance mankind could enter into a scenario like in the futuristic science fiction film in which humans were used as “biofuel” for “cleverer” technology.
The computer scientist – who sits on the United Nations AI Advisory Board – said while the likelihood of this happening was low, “we have got to worry about this”.
Speaking on The Today Podcast, Dame Wendy referred to a BBC interview with the late Stephen Hawking in which he spoke on the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
The academic said: “He said, well, of course, if we develop something that’s cleverer than us, then that would be the end of the human race because we’re biological, we take a long time to evolve.
“Machines can evolve very quickly. Assuming they’ve got the material they need to recreate themselves or their next generations, we could just become the biofuel in the machine, the Matrix scenario, because they’ll out-think us.
“And then we become slaves to the machines. There is a finite chance that could happen.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
