Artificial superintelligence within reach

On his Blog said the OpenAI CEO Sam Altman not just an estimate of when Artificial intelligence will really have an impact, but also what effect it will have. According to Altman, humanity is currently on the threshold of a new era, which he calls the “Age of Intelligence”.

Altman continues to write verbatim: “It is possible that in a few thousand days (!) we will have a superintelligence; It may take longer, but I’m confident we’ll get there.” Although the OpenAI CEO certainly leaves the time frame deliberately vague, he seems to assume that the development of artificial superintelligence (ASI) is at least within reach.

An artificial superintelligence would be far superior to humans

For example, 4,000 days would be eleven years. But even if it took twice as long, it would only be a good two decades in which AI experts could succeed in developing a hypothetical software-based AI system that would not only be on a par with human intellect, but also equal to it could even be dramatically superior.

What sounds quite threatening to some people, the CEO of OpenAI sees almost entirely positively. The development of an ASI would be accompanied by a massive increase in prosperity, he predicted.

The labor market should also benefit in the long term

He does admit some upheavals in the labor market. Overall, however, these would not be significant and would pale in comparison to the achievements of the new AI systems.

Among them, Altman counts benefits such as tailored education or help with medical care. In the long term, superintelligence could also independently achieve scientific breakthroughs in important areas such as climate change or space travel.

Altman: AI must be accessible to everyone

According to Altman, the basis of the upcoming breakthrough is so-called deep learning and thus an algorithm that can learn and continually improve based on data. And the CEO has a clear idea of ​​what is necessary to advance the technology with as little damage as possible.

Computers should become cheaper and be more plentiful, said the CEO. Only then would AI not remain a resource that only serves as a tool for rich people and over which wars are fought.

The security of humanity is at stake

What may seem understandable from Altman’s point of view, some readers of his blog find quite surprising. For example, Bloomberg columnist Matthew Yglesias writes on The only disadvantages he considers are problems in adapting the labor market.”

Not only in the USA, where the California bill SB 1047 is being debated, politicians have been calling for long-overdue regulations for the AI ​​industry. While one side sees humanity’s security at risk, the other fears an excessive restriction on innovative power.

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