Luca De Ambroggi, the research and analysis lead for AI solutions within the Transformative Technology team at London-based global information provider IHS Markit, told Express.co.uk: “In 50 years, it is reasonable to think that robots will be able to “support” and replace human being in several activities. Already electro-mechanical devices outperform humans in sensitiveness and reaction time.” Considering the vast technological progression witnessed in the last decade, Mr Ambroggi said 50 years was “sufficient” to close several gaps with human being.

He added: “Even if our brain will still have advantages and human beings will remain more dynamic and versatile, electronics will be able to outperform humans in several specific functions, as it does today, from machine vision, to audio/speech recognition.



“Humans have to prevent machines being in a position to replace us, and no one else.



“A few years ago Honhai implemented intelligence machine personnel in their production lines in the same way as computers or other equipment replaced humans 30-40 years back.



“The longer term question is, can the ‘replaced people’ be re-qualified and be allowed to still add value in our society?”



Robots will outstrip humans in ability within 50 years, said Mr Ambroggi

Luca Ambroggi says artificial intelligence is here "for the long haul"

The Terminator series paints a dystopian future of a world dominated by robots

It was vital, he stressed, that mankind set thorough rules and defined boundaries.



He said: “Artificial Intelligence is here, and it’s here for the long haul.



“We are into the so called Narrow or Weak era of AI. It is ‘weaker’ than human or is equal or superior just on few limited tasks and senses.



“However it is disrupting society and as it evolves, it will have major impacts on data security, labour and ethics.



In some ways mankind may relish being replaced by robots, Mr Ambroggi said

“If we fast forward 50 years, science fiction might come easily back in our mind. The difference is that by then we might not consider it anymore ‘fiction’.



“This era is Generic – Multi Modal AI. It is comparable to human intelligence applied in all senses, working powerfully in parallel.



“For example, from the sensing perspective electronics and semiconductor support, to the ability to see, hear, touch, as well as smell and taste with the latest MEMS technologies.



”We need to go back into ethics. It is a common view that AI, and AI-driven devices/robots, will increase business and wealth all over the world.

Mr Ambroggi said in the line between human and robot may eventually become blurred

“It is again up to the regulator and administrator to be sure that all humans will benefit of it and not a few corporations.”



Looking further ahead, Mr Ambroggi considered the idea of robots one day being regarded as having consciousness, and therefore being considered independent lifeforms.



He explained: “This is very possible to be a reality as well, perhaps not in the next 50 years, but technology has evolved so quickly I wouldn't want to doubt it.



“When we study biology, a ‘living being’ has to have at least one living ‘cellular’ unit.

