To some, Artificial Intelligence will dramatically improve our lives in the future. To others, it spells the end of mankind.

A new report from Oxford and Cambridge researchers has fuelled the debate about AI, warning that malicious use of AI presented a “clear and present danger” to society that could emerge in the next decade.

The ongoing discussion about the technology has some of the greatest minds in the world pitted at opposite ends of the spectrum.

While the technology has undoubted benefits, many point out that not enough consideration has been devoted to the potentially catastrophic outcomes.

Recognising the possible problems ahead, the Government recently set up a body to oversee ethics in the field and last month Theresa May called AI “one of the greatest tests of leadership for our time”.

Yet Britain keen to be a leader in the field, which is increasingly used to drive cars, diagnose patients and even to help determine prison sentences.