Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google’s DeepMind, has boldly predicted that human-level artificial intelligence (AI) could be achieved in just a few years. The announcement was made during an interview at the Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival, where he discussed the need to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) responsibly.
What is Artificial General Intelligence?
Artificial general intelligence refers to machines or algorithms that can replicate human intelligence. Unlike narrow AI, designed to perform specific tasks, AGI would be able to learn and adapt to new situations, much like humans. This technology could revolutionize the healthcare, transportation, and finance industries.
Also Read: TensorFlow and AlphaGo Makers Merged to Form Google DeepMind
The Progress of AGI Development
According to Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind, the progress made in recent years toward AGI development has been impressive, and he does not see any signs of it slowing down. He believes that progress may even accelerate, leading to the achievement of human-level AI within a decade.
However, his prediction comes amid growing concerns about the risks of advancing AI technology too quickly. Geoffrey Hinton, another top mind at Google, recently quit the company to warn of these dangers and called for a brief halt to AI development.
Also Read: Geoffrey Hinton, Godfather of AI Leaves Google, Warns of Potential Dangers Ahead
Hassabis’ Response to AI Risks
In contrast to Hinton, Demis Hassabis believes that developing AGI responsibly is critical to mitigating any risks associated with the technology. He stressed the importance of transparency, ethical considerations, and working collaboratively with policymakers.
Google’s Commitment to Responsible AI Development
Google’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean, echoed Demis Hassabis’ sentiment. He states that the company remains committed to a responsible approach to AI development. He emphasized the need to understand emerging risks while also innovating boldly continually.
Also Read: More Profound than Fire or Electricity: Google CEO Sundar Pichai on AI Developments
Our Say
The achievement of human-level AI would represent a significant milestone in artificial intelligence research. However, it’s essential to balance ambition with caution. Ethical considerations, transparency, and collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and the public must guide the development of AGI.
With ongoing advancements in AI research and development, it’s crucial to ensure that progress is made responsibly and sustainably. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI, we must also consider the potential risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them.
A 23-year-old, pursuing her Master's in English, an avid reader, and a melophile. My all-time favorite quote is by Albus Dumbledore - "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light."
