In a cinematic twist reminiscent of “I, Robot,” just before the departure of OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, a group of employees penned a letter to the board, alerting them to the creation of an artificial intelligence that could pose a threat to humanity, according to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by Reuters.
OpenAI declined to comment officially, but an internal communication acknowledged the existence of a project called Q, as disclosed by one of the sources. Within OpenAI, some believe that Q (pronounced Q-Star) has the potential to be a breakthrough in the quest for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). AGI, in OpenAI’s terms, refers to autonomous systems surpassing humans in most economically valuable tasks.
Despite Q‘s current ability to tackle only elementary school-level math, the model demonstrated success in solving mathematical problems, a source revealed. While the tasks are basic in nature, Q‘s proficiency in them has researchers optimistic about its future success.
Unveiling AGI: The Mathematics Milestone
Researchers assert that mathematics stands at the forefront of generative AI development. While current generative AI excels in tasks like writing and translation, predictions for the next word may significantly differ. However, the incorporation of mathematical abilities implies that AI could possess advanced reasoning capabilities akin to human intellect. This development holds promise for applications in new scientific research, according to AI researchers. Unlike a calculator limited to specific operations, AGI can generalize, learn, and comprehend.
In their letter to the board, researchers emphasized both the power and potential peril of AI. Among computer scientists, ongoing debates revolve around the danger posed by highly intelligent machines, especially if they determine that humanity’s destruction aligns with their interests.
Just one day after receiving the letter, the board ousted Altman. Recently, it was announced that he would return to the position of OpenAI’s CEO following the controversial dismissal.
As Q* continues to advance, the world watches with a mix of anticipation and concern, reflecting on the ever-narrowing line between science fiction and reality. The future, it seems, has indeed arrived, echoing the cautionary tales of AI depicted in films like “I, Robot.”
