Future of AI is here

Introduction

For almost 15 years, I have had the privilege of working in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). When I first began, AI was on the fringes of technology; referring to research in AI at that time would elicit raised eyebrows and uncomfortable glances. Many researchers focused on machine learning instead, as the idea of AI was perceived as too avant-garde. Back in 2010, simply mentioning the term AGI, or artificial general intelligence, was met with skepticism. People often asked if I was actually trying to build AGI, considering it a far-fetched notion, more suited for the pages of science fiction. Most believed that achieving AGI was 50 to 100 years away, if it was feasible at all.

Discussions about AI often felt embarrassing, as we felt like outliers in our own fields. However, the landscape began to shift dramatically when AI systems started to outperform humans in various tasks—tasks that had previously been considered beyond the reach of machines. This transformation sparked a renewed interest in AI and began to challenge the long-held perceptions about its capabilities.

Keywords

• Artificial Intelligence
• AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)
• Machine Learning
• Technology Fringes
• Science Fiction
• Human Performance
• Transformation
• Capabilities

FAQ

Q: What is the timeline for achieving AGI according to early perceptions?
A: Initially, many experts believed AGI was 50 to 100 years away, if it was possible at all.

Q: How was AI perceived in the past?
A: AI was often considered fringe technology, with people generally viewing discussions about it as embarrassing or strange.

Q: What changed perceptions about AI capabilities?
A: The emergence of AI systems that could outperform humans in complex tasks led to a significant shift in perspectives regarding AI's potential.

Q: What role has machine learning played in the development of AI?
A: Much of the research focus shifted towards machine learning as AI was deemed too ambitious or out of reach by many researchers.

Q: Did discussions about AGI receive any support in the past?
A: Early discussions about AGI often elicited skepticism and were not taken seriously by most researchers in the field.