Bullish on humanoid robots, no need to master computer science in the future, separating reasoning engines from data...
Following visits to Harvard and Stanford University, the American university tour of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman continues. On May 2nd local time, artificial intelligence (AI) giant OpenAI CEO Sam Altman visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
Sam Altman Interview at MIT
Regarding the "Doomsday Probability" (the chance that AI could lead humanity to doomsday), Altman stated that no matter how small the probability is, it will never be zero. Instead of focusing on the doomsday probability, people should concentrate on how to avoid disasters and ensure a safe and positive approach to the future.
Altman expressed both optimism and pessimism about the future development of AI.
He reiterated that AI is a new "tool" on the tree of human technology. Ten years ago, one might have hoped that AI, this new "being," could solve some issues, but now he believes that AI, like other technological revolutions, brings the greatest, best, and most significant benefits to humanity. Over time, AI will become more capable, more autonomous, and will integrate into society in an important and transformative way.
Regarding bias in AI systems, he stated, "What's harder is who decides the meaning of bias and values... Humans themselves are biased creatures, often unaware of their biases." He mentioned that models like GPT-4 or future iterations like GPT-5 will not have the same psychological flaws as humans. While not perfect, they are expected to be more impartial overall.
Altman said, "If we develop a great artificial intelligence tool that can help people solve any problem they face, help them reason in new ways, it's great for consumers, scientists, businesses, and education. This is the 'G' in AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), and it's the most surprising part."
He believed that in a few years, AI will make everyone feel like they have a strategist or a doctoral student to help optimize themselves, leading to highly effective collaborations.
Altman also expressed optimism about humanoid robots, foreseeing a future where people no longer need to master computer science as AI will handle all computational tasks. He emphasized the potential for AI to provide interfaces similar to human interactions, stating that this alignment with human design is crucial.
On personal privacy and data security, Altman warned of increased risks when services are combined with AI. He mentioned OpenAI's goal with models like GPT-5 or GPT-6 is to separate the reasoning engine from the vast data needed, treating it as an independent entity.
When asked about OpenAI's "open-source" stance, Altman did not provide a direct answer but highlighted the aim to offer a great free AI tool to millions and eventually billions of people. He emphasized the importance of accessibility and usefulness, likening the effort to a public service.
Regarding the viewpoint that AI will replace human jobs, Altman acknowledged the rapid pace of technological advancement and anticipated significant impacts on the economy. He believed AI would alter the nature of many jobs, creating new occupational categories, with the effects, whether positive or negative, being measurable and tangible.
He expressed concerns about the speed of adaptation to these changes but remained confident in humanity's ability to adjust. Altman believed that societal contracts would evolve, leading to a shift in the majority of jobs, while acknowledging that human drives would persist.
Furthermore, Altman stressed that it is currently an optimal time for entrepreneurship and embarking on new career paths, noting the success of startups during platform transitions. He contrasted the agility, innovation, and advantages of startups with the slower pace and lack of innovation in larger corporations, highlighting the speed, iteration, and other benefits of startups.
