We are an unknown amount of time away from a true AI.<p>Right now we are making the building blocks that will make up that AI.  We are very close to AI that can drive tanks and fly weaponized drones.  We are very close to AI that replaces most blue collar jobs and the majority of jobs in the world really.<p>If we stop these lines of AI research and technology right now we can probably make it to the stars while still being a free people.  If we make a true AI whether it is benevolent or not doesn&#x27;t even matter.  Humanity will no longer be in control of its destiny.