mirror.co.uk
According to a renowned futurist, the global robot population is set to eclipse that of humans within the next three decades.
Dr Ian Pearson, a futurologist at Futurizon, projects that by 2048, Earth will host approximately 9.4 billion robots.
His analysis, carried out on behalf of NOW TV to mark the debut of Westworld's second season, also indicates that robots could develop emotional awareness by 2028.
It appears that many people are already uneasy about a machine-led future.
A survey involving 2,000 Britons revealed that 71 percent are concerned about the growing presence of artificially intelligent robots in society, and nearly six in ten view robots as a danger to humanity's long-term survival.
More than half of those polled also expressed doubt that scientists will manage to keep the rise of AI-powered robots under control.
Dr Pearson stated: “At present, the worldwide robot count is roughly 57 million.
“That figure will expand rapidly in the coming years, and by 2048 robots will exceed the human population.
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“If we factor in probable market acceleration, that milestone could arrive as early as 2033.
“By 2028, some of those machines will already be beginning to experience authentic emotions and to engage with us on an emotional level.”
The survey further disclosed that 43 percent of respondents are worried about robots taking command of society, while 37 percent fear that robots could outstrip human intelligence.
Additionally, 25 percent of participants said they worry they may no longer be able to distinguish between robots and people, and 16 percent are anxious about the prospect of humans forming romantic bonds with robots.
