Not all scientists are optimistic about the coming era of smart robots.
When humans see machines that behave like humans, or computers that exhibit strategic thinking and cognition, they sometimes joke about a future where humanity will be enslaved by a civilization of robots.
But in every joke there is only a fraction of a joke. Science fiction and popular films from 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) to Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass its creators' expectations and spiral out of control, eventually enslaving humans or arranging their extinction. This situation is described, for example, in the legendary series of films "The Terminator".
But even in the real world, not everyone is ready to welcome AI with open arms. In recent years, scientists have pushed the boundaries of what AI can achieve, and leading figures in technology and science are warning of impending dangers that artificial intelligence could pose to humanity, even suggesting that AI's capabilities could doom humanity.
But why are people so afraid of AI?