In a groundbreaking revelation at the SoftBank World corporate conference, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son boldly predicts that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), surpassing human intellect in nearly all realms, will be achieved within the next decade. Son, known for his visionary perspectives on transformative technologies, sheds light on the rapid advancements in generative AI that have already outpaced certain human capacities.
Artificial general intelligence within grasp
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, a prominent figure in the tech investment landscape, has set forth a bold prediction that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will become a reality within the next ten years. Speaking at the SoftBank World corporate conference, Son expressed his belief that AGI will outshine human intelligence by a factor of ten, attributing this anticipated leap to the swift progress in generative AI.
Son challenges the common notion that AI cannot surpass human intelligence, Son argues that such skepticism is unfounded, emphasizing that AI’s potential for greater intelligence should not be dismissed. He draws parallels between AI and human cognition, noting the current capabilities of AI to self-learn, self-train, and self-infer—mimicking the attributes of human cognitive processes.
This proclamation marks a significant shift in Son’s perspective, as he not only emphasizes the potential of AGI to transform business and society but also provides a concrete timeline for its emergence. It is worth noting that Son has previously alluded to the transformative impact of AGI, often referring to it as the “singularity,” but this is the first instance where he attaches a specific timeframe to this revolutionary development.
Also, Son introduces the concept of “Artificial Super Intelligence,” envisioning its realization in 20 years. According to his predictions, this advanced form of intelligence will surpass human capabilities by an astonishing factor of 10,000. The visionary CEO’s foresight extends beyond the immediate decade, painting a picture of a future where AI becomes exponentially more intelligent, reshaping the very fabric of society and business.
Call to action for Japanese companies
In addition to his predictions, Son issues a compelling call to action for Japanese companies, urging them to “wake up” to the promises of AI. He contends that, in the age of the internet, Japanese companies have fallen behind and need to embrace the potential of AI to stay competitive. Son underscores the pivotal role of chip designer Arm in what he terms the “AI revolution.”
Arm CEO Rene Haas, who joined the conference via video, echoes Son’s sentiments, emphasizing the energy efficiency of Arm’s designs. Haas predicts that Arm’s designs will be increasingly sought after to power artificial intelligence, aligning with Son’s vision of AI playing a central role in the future of technology.
Son’s stance on AGI development is met with skepticism, Son suggests a unique perspective, indicating that he might be the only individual holding the belief that AGI will emerge within a decade. In contrast, Haas expresses a more cautious optimism, stating his belief that AGI will likely emerge within his lifetime.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son’s bold predictions about the imminent arrival of Artificial General Intelligence and the subsequent emergence of Artificial Super Intelligence have ignited discussions within the tech community. As the world grapples with the implications of these advancements, Son’s call to action for Japanese companies emphasizes the need for proactive engagement with AI to ensure competitiveness in the evolving technological landscape.
