Softbank's founder Masayoshi Son predicts that AI will be 10,000 times smarter than humans by 2035. Learn about his vision for artificial super intelligence (ASI) and the future of Softbank in this compelling update.
In a bold vision for the future, Masayoshi Son, the billionaire founder and CEO of Softbank, predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will be 10,000 times smarter than humans by 2035. Speaking at Softbank’s annual meeting in Tokyo on June 21, Son laid out an ambitious roadmap for the company and its role in the development of artificial super intelligence (ASI).
A Vision for the Future
Masayoshi Son is no stranger to bold predictions and visionary thinking. During his emotional speech at the annual meeting, he presented a future where AI surpasses human intelligence to an unprecedented degree. Son predicted that by 2030, AI will be one to 10 times smarter than humans. By 2035, this intelligence will skyrocket to 10,000 times that of a human.
This dramatic increase in AI capability is not just a speculative dream for Son. He outlined Softbank’s commitment to developing ASI, which he believes will fundamentally transform human life.
Artificial Super Intelligence
The distinction Son made between artificial general intelligence (AGI) and ASI is crucial to understanding his vision. AGI, he explained, would have the equivalent intelligence of a human genius, potentially up to 10 times more intelligent than an average person. In contrast, ASI would far exceed this, possessing 10,000 times the intelligence or capabilities of a human being.
Currently, there is no scientific consensus on the feasibility of AGI or ASI. Theoretical AI systems capable of human-level reasoning remain largely speculative. However, Son's conviction that ASI is achievable and essential to Softbank’s mission is a driving force behind the company’s strategic direction.
Implications and Reactions
Son’s speech was not just a futuristic projection but also a reflection on his personal and professional journey. He spoke candidly about his own mortality and the legacy he wishes to leave. This introspection might have unsettled some investors, as Softbank’s shares fell by more than 3% following the meeting.
In a video of the event shared by Cointelegraph, Son admitted that two years ago, he came to a realization about his age and the finite nature of life. He expressed a deep desire to make significant contributions before his time ends.
“SoftBank was founded for what purpose? For what purpose was Masa Son born? It may sound strange, but I think I was born to realize ASI. I am super serious about it,” Son stated, underscoring his personal commitment to the development of ASI.
The Road Ahead
Despite the current technological limitations and the speculative nature of ASI, Softbank’s commitment to AI development positions it as a leader in the tech industry’s ongoing quest for advanced intelligence. Son’s vision for the future reflects both an ambitious dream and a strategic focus that could potentially drive significant innovation.
The implications of achieving ASI are profound. It could revolutionize industries, solve complex global challenges, and alter the course of human history. However, the path to ASI is fraught with scientific, ethical, and practical challenges that will require sustained effort and collaboration across the global scientific community.
Masayoshi Son’s predictions about the future of AI highlight both the potential and the uncertainty of technological advancement. While the idea of AI being 10,000 times smarter than humans by 2035 may seem far-fetched, it serves as a powerful motivator for ongoing research and development. As Softbank continues to pursue its mission, the world will be watching closely to see how Son’s vision unfolds and what it means for the future of artificial intelligence and humanity.
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(TRISTAN GREENE, COINTELEGRAPH, 2024)