Can you imagine a future where machines can think and act like humans?
This is the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a field of research that seeks to create machines with a level of intelligence comparable to our own.In this article, I would like to explore this concept so that you can understand what lies behind it.
What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a theoretical concept that refers to an artificial intelligence (AGI) that is a machine or AI system capable of outperforming humans in virtually any cognitive task. Unlike current AI systems, which are designed to solve specific problems, AGI would have the ability to learn and adapt autonomously, and can apply their knowledge to a wide variety of fields.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is the level at which AI can be taught to do everything that I know how to do, everything that a human knows how to do.
How does AGI work?
AGI is based on the idea of creating AI systems that can:
- Have a reasonable degree of self-understanding and self-control.
- Learn new skills and solve complex problems without prior training.
- Function flexibly in different contexts and environments, without being limited to specific tasks.
Unlike current AI systems, which are based on algorithms and machine learning models trained on specific data, AGI would seek to develop a more general and adaptive artificial intelligence, capable of acquiring knowledge and skills autonomously.
The most advanced AI systems still have significant limitations and have failed to achieve the general cognitive capabilities expected from AGI.
A journey towards a transformative future
lya Sutskever, in her TED Talk “The exciting and dangerous journey to AGI”, invites us to reflect on the nature of artificial intelligence, comparing it to “digital brains” in computers. Sutskever describes his fascination with consciousness and intelligence, and how these motivations led him to devote his career to AI.
A future full of advantages
Sutskever shows us the transformative potential of AGI in a wide range of sectors. Some examples of the advantages that AGI could offer are:
- Improved medical care: More accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, development of new medicines, and safer surgeries.
- Scientific advancement: Acceleration of research in areas such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Industry optimization: Automation of repetitive tasks and improved efficiency in production and logistics.
- Solving global problems: Fighting climate change, developing sustainable energy sources, finding solutions to poverty and hunger.
There will come a day when the digital brains that live in our computers will be as competent, or even better, than our biological brains.
Ethical and safety challenges
However, AGI also presents serious challenges. Sutskever warns about AGI’s ability to self-improve, which could lead to unpredictable consequences. Some of the dangers that AGI could pose in unintended hands are:
- Loss of control: If AGI becomes too powerful, it may be difficult or impossible to control.
- Intentional misuse: AGI could be used for military purposes, for mass surveillance or for social manipulation.
- Economic inequality: AGI could exacerbate economic inequality, creating a class of “super-rich” with access to technology and a class of “have-nots” who do not.
Responsibility and international collaboration
To address these challenges, the international community must unite to develop AGI responsibly and ethically. Some measures that can be taken are:
- Establish regulatory frameworks: Implement laws and regulations to ensure responsible AGI development.
- Promote transparency: Promote transparency in AGI research and development.
- Invest in education and training: Prepare society for the changes that AGI will bring. Do you think this is being done in any way by our institutions?
OpenAI and the search for AGI
I recommend you to watch this video “The secret behind OpenAI’s plan for AGI”. which delves into recent developments at OpenAI, focusing on the intriguing dismissal and subsequent return of Sam Altman as CEO, as well as on the unveiling of a revolutionary algorithm called Q-Star, which could be a crucial component in the race towards artificial general intelligence (AGI).
If you remember, I already covered this topic in detail in my previous post OpenAI: A year of changes and challenges.
Interestingly, and in a very short time, OpenAI has developed a model that simulates the real world called SORA.
It generates videos through prompts that go beyond simple imitation.
Sora simulates aspects of the physical world and displays an advanced understanding of the environment, representing an important step towards creating more aware and adaptive AI. A coincidence or a giant step forward towards achieving this AGI.
When is it planned to have an AGI?
There is no clear answer to this question.
Sam Altman, mentions in a Forbes article that the development of AGI will be a gradual process, and there will be no clear point in time when it can be said to have been fully achieved. On the contrary, Elon Musk believes it could be achieved in 2025!
Other relevant players in the field, such as Nvidia CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang hints that AGI could be possible in 2029, while Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman believes there is a 50% chance we will see it in 2028. It doesn’t seem that far away, does it?
I would like to end this article with a reflection by the renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, in which he warned that that the development of AGI could be “the greatest event in the history of our civilization.” and would entail enormous existential risks if not handled properly. Hawking feared that a superintelligent AGI could escape human control and pose a threat to humanity.
Exciting, isn’t it? What do you think? Will we get to see this at some point? Leave me a comment 🙂
Have a good week!
