OpenAI Shifts Focus to Developing ‘Superintelligence’
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Amelia Cross
- January 5, 2025
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OpenAI Shifts Focus from AGI to ‘Superintelligence,’ Says CEO Sam Altman
In a recent blog post, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that the company is shifting its focus toward achieving “superintelligence”, building on its progress in artificial general intelligence (AGI). Altman expressed confidence in OpenAI’s ability to develop AGI as traditionally defined and hinted at the transformative potential of superintelligent AI.
“Superintelligent tools could massively accelerate scientific discovery and innovation,” Altman wrote, describing a future where AI systems vastly outperform humans in economically valuable tasks. He predicted that superintelligence might emerge within “a few thousand days” and suggested that AI agents could “materially change the output of companies” as early as this year.
What Defines AGI and Superintelligence?
OpenAI defines AGI as “highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work,” while another metric involves AI generating at least $100 billion in profits. Superintelligence, however, extends these capabilities further, promising breakthroughs that Altman believes could “increase abundance and prosperity.”
Despite this optimism, Altman acknowledged challenges, including AI’s current limitations, such as hallucinations, errors, and high costs. He emphasized the need for “great care” in navigating AI’s development while maximizing its societal benefits.
Safety Concerns and Criticism
OpenAI has admitted that transitioning to a world with superintelligence is “far from guaranteed.” In a 2023 blog post, the company acknowledged it lacks solutions for steering or controlling superintelligent AI systems, warning that current alignment techniques won’t scale to such systems.
However, since then, OpenAI has disbanded several safety-focused teams, leading to departures of key researchers who criticized the company’s shift toward commercial goals. Amid corporate restructuring to attract investors, critics have questioned whether OpenAI is sufficiently prioritizing AI safety.
Asked about these concerns, Altman pointed to OpenAI’s track record, reiterating the company’s commitment to “broad benefit and empowerment.”
A Bold Vision
While OpenAI’s pivot to superintelligence signals confidence in its vision, it underscores the need for robust safeguards as it embarks on this ambitious journey. Whether the company can balance innovation with safety remains a pressing question as it races toward the future of AI.
