The renowned physicist Prof Stephen Hawking has warned: "The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race."

Prof Stephen Hawking, one of Britain's pre-eminent scientists, has said that efforts to create thinking machines pose a threat to our very existence.

His warning came in response to a question about a revamp of the technology he uses to communicate, which involves a basic form of AI.

The primitive forms of artificial intelligence developed so far have already proved very useful, he says, but he fears the consequences of creating something that can match or surpass humans.

"It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate.  Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn't compete, and would be superseded."

Prof Murray Shanahan of Imperial College provides a brief introduction to AI and  is one of many Academics who have a less pessimistic outlook on the future of AI.

WATCH: Prof Murray Shanahan provide a brief introduction to AI