A.I.

Why is it that we don't see any groundbreaking development on the field of A.I., but people continue saying we should be scared and whatnot? And it's not the usual crackpots, it's actually people who supposedly know better. I'm confused.

http://www.bbc.com/news/31047780
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/02/stephen-hawking-intel-communication-system-astrophysicist-software-predictive-text-type
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/27/elon-musk-artificial-intelligence-ai-biggest-existential-threat

>>1

Why is it that we don't see any groundbreaking development on the field of A.I.,

Actually, there are a several breakthroughs.
1. Increasing computational resources, like cheap hardware, capable of processing large number of memory cells in parallel. Genetic engineering and quantum computing promise a lot too.
2. Theoretical understanding improved a lot, since 70ies: no it is known what works and what doesn't. I.e. no more Prolog.
3. Research breakthroughs: human genome was sequenced and U.S. govt funds human brain atlas project.
4. Increasing training set sizes available (i.e. you can get million images of a cat).
5. Infrastructure and materials: manufacturers provide cheap robot parts and you 3d printing gets improved.

AI doesn't come in one day, it is slow processing of transitioning and things like AI-driven cars, connected to a central network, are susceptible to the single point of failure. If AI attacks, it can instantly shut down all logistic on the planet.