At The New York Times DealBook Summit, Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, addressed questions regarding the company’s relationship with Microsoft (MSFT), particularly focusing on the immense computing resources required for AI development and the implications of reaching artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Altman acknowledged the rapid scaling of computational needs, stating, “We need lots of compute, more than we projected.” He described this as an unusual challenge in business, highlighting the unique demands of AI development. He clarified that while there are areas where OpenAI excels and Microsoft has its strengths, there is indeed some tension between the two entities due to these scaling demands. However, he maintained that overall, “our incentives are pretty aligned.”
The moderator pointed out the apparent tension, to which Altman simply agreed, “For sure.” The discussion then pivoted to the topic of AGI, a pivotal concept where AI reaches human-like cognitive capabilities across a broad range of tasks. Altman revealed that part of OpenAI’s agreement with Microsoft includes provisions for the scenario where AGI is achieved, potentially allowing for a reevaluation of their partnership. He suggested that AGI might be closer than many believe, but he tempered expectations by saying, “my guess is we will hit AGI sooner than most people in the world think, and it will matter much less.”
He elaborated that the advent of AGI would not lead to an immediate, drastic change in daily life or the economy. Instead, Altman posited that it would be more of a “mile marker” on the path to what he calls “superintelligence,” suggesting a gradual progression rather than an abrupt shift. He noted that many of the safety concerns currently discussed would not necessarily materialize at the moment AGI is achieved but would rather be part of the ongoing journey towards even more advanced AI capabilities.
Altman’s comments at the summit shed light on the complex dynamics of AI development, the strategic partnerships that fuel it, and the nuanced view of AI’s future impact on society. His insights offer a glimpse into the considerations of timing, resource allocation, and the evolution from AGI to superintelligence, all while navigating the commercial and ethical landscapes of AI innovation.
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