United Kingdom, Sept. 18 -- The head of Microsoft AI has warned that failing to put adequate safeguards around artificial intelligence could lead to the creation of a new "silicon species" that competes with humanity.

Mustafa Suleyman said AI companies should avoid building systems that can set their own objectives, earn money and own assets, arguing that such technology could eventually become difficult to control.

Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Suleyman said people were right to be concerned about AI but added that practical steps could be taken to ensure the technology remains under human control.

He said: "If we create systems that have their own objectives, their own ability to make money, their own ability to own assets, ...