While advances in artificial intelligence are poised to solve some of humankind’s most difficult problems, iconic theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking cautions that the technology could spell the end of the human race if left unchecked. Hawking is an early adopter of communications technology — a primitive form of AI — but he fears the consequences of machines that could supersede humans. “We must build safeguards into AI research and development to be sure that we use it for beneficial purposes versus it controlling us,” Hawking said. Along with tech luminaries Elon Musk and Bill Gates, Hawking signed an open letter earlier this year imploring researchers to balance the benefits of AI with the risks. The letter acknowledges that AI innovations could help eradicate disease and poverty, but it puts the onus on scientists on the front lines of artificial intelligence R&D to keep the human factor front and center in their research.Hawking plans to discuss his concerns about AI and answer questions on other topics in his first ever reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA), as part of the Nokia & WIRED #maketechhuman initiative.

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