Beware Rise Of The Machines, Warns Bill Gates

Artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a serious threat to humanity if it is not kept under control, according to Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT - news) founder Bill Gates.

He's joined Elon Musk - the man behind Tesla Motors (Xetra: A1CX3T - news) - and physicist Stephen Hawking in expressing concern that taken too far, AI could lead to Terminator-like science fiction scenarios.

In a question and answer session on Reddit, Mr Gates said: "I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence. First (Other OTC: FSTC - news) the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super-intelligent.

"That should be positive if we manage it well. A few decades after that, though, the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern."

Professor Hawking has also expressed a similar view in the past, warning that machines could eventually outsmart financial markets and "out-invent" humans.

Mr Musk has invested $10m (£6.6m) to fund efforts to keep artificial intelligence friendly and viable, as well as ensuring politicians do not turn against smart devices and networks.

Microsoft has already committed more than a quarter of its research and resources on developing AI.

Mr Gates said: "When I started Microsoft I was worried I would miss the chance to do basic work in that field."

Microsoft recently launched the HoloLens headset that lets wearers interact with holograms.