This is the first episode of a special Speaking With podcast series titled No Problem Too Big, where a panel of artists and researchers speculate on the end of the world as though it has already happened.

It’s not the world we grew up in. Not since artificial intelligence. The machines have taken control.

Three fearless researchers gather in the post-apocalyptic twilight: a computer scientist, a mechanical engineer and a sci-fi author.

Together, they consider the implications of military robots and autonomous everything, and discover that the most horrifying post-apocalyptic scenario might look something like unrequited robot love.

Joanne Anderton is an award-winning author of speculative fiction stories for anyone who likes their worlds a little different. More information about Joanne and her novels can be found here.

No Problem Too Big is created and hosted by Adam Hulbert, who lectures in media and sonic arts at the University of New South Wales. It is produced with the support of The Conversation and University of New South Wales.

Sound design by Adam Hulbert.

Theme music by Phonkubot.

Additional music:

Beast/Decay/Mist by Haunted Me (via Free Music Archive)

Humming Ghost by Haunted Me (via Free Music Archive)

Additional audio:

Stephen Hawking interview, BBC News