The Evolution and Future of Artificial General Intelligence

The Early Spark of AI Interest: Shane Legg's Journey

As a child, Shane Legg's fascination with programming laid the foundation for his future in AI. Despite facing dyslexia, his exceptional IQ and creative mindset propelled him towards exploring intelligence in machines.

Coining AGI: A New Era in AI

In 2001, collaborating with Ben Goertzel, Legg coined the term "artificial general intelligence" (AGI), marking a shift towards developing AI systems with broader capabilities, akin to human cognitive tasks.

DeepMind and the Dream of AGI

Legg's journey led him to co-found DeepMind, with a bold mission stated on their first business plan: "Build the world's first artificial general intelligence." This ambition was not without its risks, with Legg acknowledging the transformative yet potentially dangerous nature of AGI.

Predicting AGI: A 50% Chance by 2028

Legg's prediction, made in 2009, places a 50% chance on the arrival of AGI by 2028. He emphasizes the immense potential AGI holds in advancing human capabilities, particularly in scientific discoveries.

Ethical AI: A Crucial Goal

As AGI approaches, Legg stresses the importance of understanding and ethically guiding these powerful systems. He advocates for a balanced view, recognizing both the optimistic and pessimistic outcomes AGI might bring.

The Future with AGI: Potential and Perils

AGI, in Legg's vision, could herald a golden age of humanity, extending human intelligence and solving previously insurmountable problems. Yet, he remains cautious, aware of the potential risks and advocating for responsible development and regulation of AI technologies.