"At this stage of development we will have some questions to consider, much like those raised by science fiction writers like Philip K. Dick or Isaac Asimov.

"When robots reach human level AI with self-awareness and feelings, then what should be their status in society? Will it be wise or fair to exploit them as slaves to do our bidding?

"Since there is an inherent link between the ability to communicate to others and the ability to deceive, as machines approach human level AI, will they discover the power of deception? Could they use their extra-human sensors to fool us?"

Professor Williams, who is team leader of the champion UTS robot soccer team UTS Unleashed!, said the Robot Soccer World Cup (RoboCup) competition could be the catalyst for the all-important AI breakthroughs, since it focuses international research effort in a potentially lucrative strategic direction.

The game of soccer encompasses both the physical and mental skills that scientists must reproduce to create autonomous robots.