Artificial General Intelligence: A Decades-Long Journey
Former OpenAI Executive Predicts AI Systems Will Reach Human-Level Cognitive Abilities
Mira Murati, a former OpenAI executive, believes that it could take decades, but AI systems will eventually perform a wide range of cognitive tasks as well as humans do—a milestone widely known as artificial general intelligence, or AGI.
Current Progress and Optimism
In her first interview since resigning as OpenAI’s chief technology officer in September, Murati expressed optimism about the progress being made in developing more powerful generative AI models. "Right now, it feels quite achievable," she said. "Current evidence shows that progress will likely continue. There’s not a lot of evidence to the contrary. Whether we need new ideas to get to AGI-level systems, that’s uncertain. I’m quite optimistic that the progress will continue."
New Venture and Uncertainty
Murati is currently founding her own AI startup, which is expected to raise over $100 million in venture capital funding. However, she declined to elaborate on the venture, stating, "I’m figuring out what it’s going to look like. I’m in the midst of it."
Career Highlights and OpenAI Departure
Murati’s career in AI began in the aerospace industry, followed by stints at Tesla and Leap Motion. She joined OpenAI in 2018, overseeing services such as ChatGPT and Dall-E. Her departure from OpenAI was met with praise from CEO Sam Altman, who credited her with providing support during challenging times and instrumental in the company’s growth.
Reflections on Recent Departures and Obsession with AI Development
Murati acknowledged that there has been "too much obsession" over departures from OpenAI and not enough focus on the substance of AI development. She emphasized the importance of breakthroughs in areas such as producing synthetic data to train models and investing in computing infrastructure to power them, which will eventually enable AGI.
The Responsibility of Steering AI Development
Murati stressed that AI technology is not intrinsically good or bad and that it’s up to society to collectively steer the models toward good outcomes. "This technology is not intrinsically good or bad. It comes with both sides. It’s up to society to keep steering the models toward good—so we’re well prepared for the day AGI comes."
Conclusion
Mira Murati’s views on the potential of AI systems to reach human-level cognitive abilities are a testament to the rapid progress being made in the field. As she embarks on her new venture, she remains optimistic about the future of AI development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and responsible innovation.
FAQs
Q: What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)?
A: AGI refers to AI systems that can perform a wide range of cognitive tasks as well as humans do.
Q: What is Mira Murati’s current role?
A: Mira Murati is currently founding her own AI startup, which is expected to raise over $100 million in venture capital funding.
Q: Why did Mira Murati leave OpenAI?
A: Murati didn’t publicly specify why she left OpenAI, only stating that the moment felt right to pursue personal exploration.
Q: What are the key areas of focus in AI development?
A: Murati highlighted the importance of producing synthetic data to train models and investing in computing infrastructure to power them, which will eventually enable AGI.
