Asia leads in the awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) and positive impact belief, according to a survey conducted by ARM Co and Northstar Co.

Ian Smythe, a senior director at ARM, a UK-based leading supplier of microprocessor technology with Softbank among its shareholders, said the awareness of AI is just 21 per cent in Europe as compared to 32 per cent and 42 per cent in the US and Asia respectively.

The perception of positive impact on society is also highest in Asia with 74 per cent as compared to 61 per cent in the US and 42 per cent in Europe.

And the three most appealing applications of AI are thought to be medical apps that can diagnose illnesses earlier, traffic control that alter lights in real-time to cut congestion, and personal companions or assistants for fully automated vehicles.

The top three jobs where AI is perceived to be doing better than humans are heavy construction, package delivery and piloting public transportation.

But the survey findings suggest consumers think that manufacturing and banking jobs are under threat the most, while jobs in science and healthcare are the safest.

In the survey on awareness of existing apps with AI, Apple's Siri topped the list, followed by Amazon, Nest, Facebook, Netflix, Pandora and Spotify.

There are mixed emotions to prospects of AI in the future with 27 per cent concerned and 25 per cent unsure, 20 per cent enthusiastic and 30 per cent excited.