This is how scientists are working to prevent a robot rebellion

Scientists are working on a kill switch to make sure 'Terminator' never happens.
(Image credit: iStock)

It's something every science-fiction reader knows to fear: the robot rebellion, when artificial intelligence will learn how to override and outsmart human commands. Now scientists at Google are working to develop a "kill switch" to prevent AI from figuring out they got the short end of the deal (or just getting mischievous), BBC News reports.

Working with researchers at Oxford University, Google's AI division, DeepMind, plans to ensure that humans always remain in charge. "Now and then it may be necessary for a human operator to press a big red button to prevent the agent from continuing a harmful sequence of actions," the researchers wrote — a vaguely terrifying reassurance.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.