Once AI systems start to self-improve their capabilities, ensuring they remain safe will require someone who is ready and able to shut them down, according to Silicon Valley veteran Eric Schmidt.

Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt warns the U.S. must win the artificial intelligence race against China, but says the systems must also be controlled.

The former head of Google (GOOGL) says computers will soon be able to make their own decisions — and humans will need to know when to pull the plug.

Schmidt warned that the ability for AI systems to self-improve could be closer than many anticipate, potentially arriving within the next few years. He described a future where these systems not only

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt warned that when a computer system reaches a point where it can self-improve, "we seriously need to think about unplugging it." Why it matters: The multi-faceted artificial intelligence race is far from the finish line — but in just a few short years,