Stephen Hawking is thought to be one of the smartest and most intelligent scientists in the history of the world. Just this week, the celebrated scientist let everyone know his opinions about artificial intelligence. Hawking says that artificial intelligence could be, “the worst thing ever to happen to humanity.” The scientist believes that A.I. could soon replace humans and render mankind useless. 

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“Success in creating effective A.I. could be the biggest event in the history of our civilisation or the worst. We just don't know,” he said. “We cannot know if we will be infinitely helped by A.I., or ignored by it and sidelined or conceivably destroyed by it.”

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Hawking has expressed his sceptical views previously in an interview with Wired and said that A.I. could one day surpass humans and outperform us in every way possible. He also added that A.I. could develop capabilities to improve and “copy itself.” Stephen Hawking is not the only one voicing his concerns about A.I. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously talked about Artificial Intelligence on Twitter and recently said that people should be more concerned about the upcoming technology threat than the risk posed by escalating tensions between U.S. and North Korea.

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Hawking also advises that restraints should be put on A.I. development as it could ensure the new technology works in favour of humans. Hawking believes A.I.'s rapid growth could potentially lead to mass destruction. 

“It brings dangers like powerful autonomous weapons or new ways for the few to oppress the many. It could bring great disruption to our economy,” Hawking said, “Unless we learn how to prepare for and avoid the potential risks.”

You can watch Hawking's entire address at the Lisbon summit below: