Artificial general intelligence, also known as AGI, is a hypothetical technology that can supercharge the modern human ability to think and create. It could improve our memory, make decisions faster, and even boost our creative abilities.
The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) conjures up images of machines that think like humans—but this is only one possible use of AI. Other applications could be more futuristic.
For example, imagine an age when computers could think like actual people — and help with everyday tasks such as writing an essay or playing a game. This may seem far-off and speculative, but current research into artificial general intelligence (AGI) seems to suggest it’s here to stay.
In other words: soon we may no longer be able to keep computers in their cages —or relegate them to simple roles such as ‘data operator’ or ‘editable art’ programs—they may become fully-fledged members of the human race.
What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)?
Artificial general intelligence, also known as artificial intelligence, is the ability of computers and machine learning to perform tasks that are typically humanly or remotely difficult or impossible for humans to perform.
In a nutshell, it’s the ability of computers to achieve understanding and awareness similar to that of humans. The term artificial intelligence first appeared in 1956, in a paper by mathematician John von Neumann, but it didn’t gain widespread attention until the 1980s.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Machine learning is the natural extension of AI. It’s not only used in AI, but in almost all high-level computer science and engineering applications, it plays a key role. Computer vision, for example, is done using machine learning.
AI, on the other hand, can also be described as the study of computers that think like humans, in that they have the ability to process and make judgements based on data and interact with humans in a similar way.
How to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI)
AI research is far from finished. In fact, the state of the art has been pretty unstable for the last few decades. The field has gone through periods of great advancement, but it’s also suffered from a bad reputation and was often depicted as a technology that happened ‘after’ human intelligence.
This was unfortunate, as it prevented AI from achieving wide adoption and generated a lot of negativity towards the technology. But the field has come a long way in the last decade, and today it has been proven that AI can be safe and effective in a wide range of applications.
In other words: AI can be used for good, and can be used for bad, but it can also be used for both.
When will we see artificial general intelligence (AGI) in action?
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) has the potential to completely transform modern life by making the tasks we perform much easier and more efficient. The ability to create and understand language, for example, would make life much easier for humans.
‘Artificial General Intelligence’ could also be used to develop devices that can help people with everyday tasks such as writing an essay or playing a game.
Ultimately, AI could help human kind achieve ‘full godhood’. This is when humans and AI can work in tandem to achieve any task that earthbound humans can do, and more.
Benefits of AGI for humans and for businesses
Businesses that are leaders in the use of AI and machine learning could see major benefits. For example, by using AI and machine learning, businesses could create new ways of doing things that would be much more efficient and effective than existing ways.
AI could also be used to help with unstructured content creation, such as videos, images, and other forms of creative content. Businesses could also use AI to help with regulatory compliance, helping with monitoring the health of their supply chains, or with protecting customer data.
What would have to happen for the benefits of AI to fully materialize?
Companies are investing a lot of money and resources into AI and machine learning. This means that they not only want to be ahead of the game, but to stay ahead.
The following are the factors that would have to happen for AI to fully materialize: Machine learning and AI technology must be at an advanced stage. Intelligence, understanding and knowledge must be present in AI systems. Learning mechanisms must be present in AI systems.
The hardware and software that make up the system must be able to change and adapt to new situations. The hardware and software that make up the system must be able to store and process large amounts of data. The ability of the system to reason and make decisions on its own must be present.
Final words
The speed and extent of technological change are beyond our comprehension. We can, however, take small steps to prepare for the change. For example, we can use the past to make sure we don’t make the same mistake again. This is what we call ‘forecasting the future’.