Bill Gates ranks the threat posed by artificial intelligence alongside nuclear war and bio-terrorism.

The multi-billionaire said he finds AI “both wondrous and a little bit scary”. He said: “We have had nuclear weapons for a very long time, so far so good, we have bio-terrorism and it’s possible non-nation states can access those things and we have AI.”

Gates, 68, is grandfather to 18-month year-old Leila and has another grandchild on the way. He said he is “quite optimistic” for her future, explaining : “If you look at the human condition today versus 50 years ago. I’d rather be a gay person today, I’d rather be a woman today, I’d rather live in Africa today. I’d rather get cancer today.

“We’ve made a lot of progress. [But] there are four footnotes: climate change, nuclear weapons, bio-terrorism and AI.”

Mr Gates pointed out the benefits of AI such as helping people access medical care and education. He said it has also accelerated medical discoveries but added: “We are going to have to adjust to a lot of things… even I find the pace in AI wondrous and a little bit scary.”