The rise of artificial intelligence could potentially endanger the world if the technology were used to control nuclear weapons, the foreign minister has warned.

In a speech to the United Nations Security Council, Penny Wong said that while AI has extraordinary potential, it also presents significant dangers if it isn't kept in check.

Of particular concern was the use of AI in wartime settings, which she said posed a real risk of catastrophic consequences due to a lack of human oversight.

"AI's potential use in nuclear weapons and unmanned systems challenges the future of humanity," she told the council on Friday (AEST).

"Nuclear warfare has so far been constrained by human judgment, by leaders who bear responsibility and by human conscience.

"AI has no such concern, nor can it be hel

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