Rather, the rise of the machines will happen gradually, through a steady drumbeat of advances.

The event began four years ago and with a steady drumbeat has seen losses grow from 3million to 4m, to 5m and now up to 6m.

Amid gloomy forecasts of mass unemployment, there's a steady drumbeat of cheerful counter-claims that we have little to worry about.

But its future results will be highly geared to the economy, rather than the steady drumbeat of an ordinary utility.

The mid-to-up-tempo recording featured a steady drumbeat, synthesizer, and guitar, with a repeated saxophone riff framing the lyrical message.