Will we control AI, or will it control us? Top researchers weigh in [Video]

Imagine this: you’re gently awoken by the dulcet tones of your personal assistant just as you’re nearing the end of your final sleep cycle.

A disembodied voice informs you of the emails you missed overnight and how they were responded to in your absence. The same voice lets you know rain is expected this morning and recommends you don your trenchcoat before leaving the house. As your car drives you to the office, your wristwatch announces that lunch from your local steak house has been preordered for delivery since your iron levels have been a little low lately.

Having all your needs anticipated and met before you’ve even had the chance to realize them yourself is one of the potentials of advanced artificial intelligence. Some of Canada’s top AI researchers believe it could create a utopia for humankind — if AI doesn’t eradicate our species first.

While neither new nor …