Spielberg has often commented that AI turned out very close to what Kubrick intended, including the finale. Personally, I have massively warmed to the film with repeat viewings (I discuss it in more depth here, if you're interested):

https://fanfare.pub/ten-classic-films-i-misjudged-9b1cd03f7d02

Setting that complex discussion aside, great points re: the mechanised instinct. Kubrick certainly explores that angle a great deal in his films. :)