AI’s rapid evolution has taken a new turn with SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son making headlines for his bold claim that artificial super intelligence (ASI) could be a reality within the next decade. Speaking at SoftBank’s annual meeting in Tokyo on June 21, Son outlined a future where AI capabilities would far surpass human intelligence, potentially becoming “10,000 times smarter” than humans by 2035.
Son’s predictions focus on ASI, going beyond the much-discussed artificial general intelligence (AGI), which he equates to human genius. This ambitious stance positions SoftBank as a key player in the advancing field of AI development.
Notably, Son’s announcement comes amid growing industry focus on superintelligent AI, as evidenced by the recent formation of Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI), founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever. SSI’s mission to advance AI capabilities while prioritizing safety underscores the increasing awareness of potential risks associated with superintelligent AI.
The tech industry’s shift towards ASI raises important questions. While the potential benefits are enormous, concerns about job displacement, ethical considerations, and the risks of creating an intelligence far beyond our control cannot be ignored.
Son’s speech took an unexpectedly personal turn when he linked ASI development to his own sense of purpose, stating, “I think I was born to realize ASI.” This blend of personal mission and technological ambition underscores the passion driving AI advancement.
However, it’s crucial to note that the scientific community remains divided on the feasibility of AGI or ASI in the near future. Current AI systems, while impressive in specific domains, are still far from achieving human-level reasoning across all areas.
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As the race towards superintelligent AI heats up, with major players like SoftBank and SSI positioning themselves at the forefront, the coming years will likely see intense debate and rapid technological progress. Whether Son’s vision of ASI within a decade proves prescient or overly optimistic, one thing is clear: the future of AI is unfolding at an unprecedented pace, and its impact on society could be profound.
