An army of humanoid robots has seized control of London. That is, according to the public relations company promoting HBOs new science-fiction drama series, Westworld.
In a publicity stunt to coincide with the series launch, terrifyingly lifelike robots were seen walking eerily in front of multiple London landmarks.
In research commissioned by the PR company, they found Britons are terrified of robots integrating into human society.
More than half of Brits worry that artificially intelligent robots will be bad for mankind, and more than 40% believe that they will eventually destroy humanity.
Other concerns include the danger of robotic malfunctions and fears that robots will eventually evolve beyond human intelligence, seizing control of society.
The research also found that men were twice as excited as women at the prospect of living among androids.
However, key concerns for both genders included losing out on jobs to robots and sharing homes with an artificially intelligent housemate.
Robotics expert Noel Sharkey has predicted that robots could be integrated in society as soon as the next 20 years.
The Westworld TV series is based on the 1973 movie which starred Yul Brynner and was written by the creator of Jurassic Park, Michael Critchton. Produced by JJ Abrams, it stars Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris and Thandie Newton, and is set to be broadcast on Sky Atlantic on Tuesday (4 October) in the UK.
