In the meantime, as robots take over more work, the millions trapped in the countryside will have even fewer opportunities.

FORBES: What Happens When Robots Replace Cheap Labor?

"It was apparent to us that one day the robots would take over the world, and we decided we wanted to be on the wining side, " Wright wrote in a note posted on Wednesday to Sporum, the official "Spore" forum.

FORBES: Will Wright Runs Off With Robots

We'll look forward to the friendlier machine assistants that result... and keep in mind the room for deception when the robots invariably plot to take over the world.

ENGADGET: Nexi robot helps Northeastern University track effects of shifty body language (video)

Robots are not about to take over all hull examinations, however.

ECONOMIST: Monitor

Much worry over the idea that robots will take our jobs.

FORBES: Will Robots Take Our Jobs? Who cares?