Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt calls for 'unplugging' AI systems when they reach certain capability

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said that the U.S. must win its ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) race against China, but warned the rapidly evolving technology must be controlled.

"We're soon going to be able to have computers running on their own, deciding what they want to do," Schmidt said during an interview on ABC News' "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. 

"And the way that happens is it's a series of decisions," Schmidt continued. "We go from agents to then… more powerful goals...