Laos:  Dr. Michio Kaku, Do you feel that despite advancements by the time we reach 2057 — maybe even 2107 — it is possible for Robotics to go beyond us and control us, and overcome us. Or do you feel that they always must be under human control with human interaction in order to work

Dr. Kaku: Computer power based on silicon will flatten out after 2020. But let's assume that a new generation of computers continues the expansion of computer power. Then it is certainly possible that one day our machines will become smarter than us. Right now, our most advanced robots have the intelligence of a cockroach. A retarded cockroach. A stupid retarded cockroach :-) They can barely walk across the room without gouging the furniture. However, in the coming decades, it is possible that our robots will become as smart as a mouse, then as smart as a rabbit, a dog, and a cat, and eventually a monkey. When our robots become as smart as a monkey, they could become dangerous. They may have goals of their own, and murderous thoughts. I personally believe that we should put a chip in their brains to turn them off when they become that dangerous. 

However, in the far future, perhaps within a century or two, we have another option which is merging with our robot creations. This means having superhuman capabilities by merging carbon and silicon technologies. Some people may find it repulsive that one day part of our bodies may become robotic. However, what is the alternative? The alternative could be death because our bodies wear out. In the future, people may voluntarily decide to enhance their bodies using biotechnology and computers, and they may decide to become immortal. So immortality is not possible in the near future but it is, I think, an option in the more distant future as we master the technology of enhancing the power of the human body. But remember — this decision has to be voluntary.

Rhaomi:  Do you think China will be able to survive its explosive economic, industrial, and population growth?

Dr. Kaku: Historically, one of the main problems of China is warlordism. Throughout Chinese history there has always been the Emperor, but many rebellions take place, creating chaos and warlordism. This is what the Chinese government fears the most. However, I think the current government is very wise to concentrate on economic development without beating their chests, without developing a super-powerful military. So far, the Chinese leadership has decided that peaceful methods and only a self-defense force is the best path toward modernization. But in the future, we face a problem and that is if every Chinese wants to live like the Americans they see in Hollywood movies, it would put a vast strain on the resources of the Earth. There are not enough hamburgers, French fries, oil and automobiles for all the Chinese and the Indians to live like middle class Americans. Therefore, in the future, I think we have to reinforce the idea that developing nations and people in the developed world should conserve their resources and their energy, or else we may exceed the carrying capacity of the planet Earth.