Channel 4 has teamed up with gaming giant Xbox to make an eight part science-fiction thriller.

Humans is an adaptation of a Swedish show and will be shown on Channel 4 and on the Xbox in the US at the same time.

The eight-part series, by Spooks writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, is set in a parallel universe where families have come to rely on robotic servants called synths to help around the house.

Piers Wenger, head of drama at Channel 4, said: "In Humans, Sam and Jon have not only crafted an ingenious and imaginative thriller, but they're also asking big, thought-provoking questions about how we live. I'm thrilled to be working once again with the team at Kudos and to be partnering with Xbox to bring this extraordinary and epic series to the screen. This is the first co-production commission to benefit from Channel 4's increased investment in drama and reaffirms our commitment to ambitious, highly original drama series."

Filming starts later this year in the UK.

Humans is the latest in an increasing trend for broadcasters to team up with technology firms to make programmes.

Earlier this year, it was announced that costume crime drama Ripper Street is being resurrected as part of a deal between the BBC and internet giant Amazon which will see it premiere online before being shown on TV.