For years, Elon Musk has warned us about the dangers of artificial intelligence -- even igniting a global discussion on the danger, calling it our greatest existential threat next to nukes.

Worth reading Superintelligence by Bostrom. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 3, 2014

In a speech at the National Governor's Association on Saturday, the Tesla CEO reiterated his long-standing sentiments on AI technology.

“I have access to the very most cutting edge AI, and I think people should be really concerned about it." He also flatly stated that AI is “the greatest risk we face as a civilization,” suggesting that the government intervene and regulate the technology before it's too late.

Musk argued government regulation was essential because companies without proper oversight risk turning entire industries completely autonomous, leaving millions jobless.

“AI’s a rare case where we need to be proactive in regulation, instead of reactive. Because by the time we are reactive with AI regulation, it’s too late,” Musk said, adding: “AI is a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization, in a way that car accidents, airplane crashes, faulty drugs, or bad food were not.”

Musk's unwavering warnings about our inevitable, machine-driven doom isn't surprising, but his call for government intervention is significant.

“I’m against overregulation for sure,” Musk stressed, “But man, I think with we’ve got to get on that with AI, pronto.”