Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, recently compared current AI systems to domestic cats. According to him, « we’re not even at the level of a cat’s intelligence yet. » While research is progressing rapidly with significant investments, some predict that human-level intelligence will be achieved within ten years. However, Hassabis does not believe we are there yet.
AI intelligence is low
No matter which Artificial intelligence company you ask, they will tell you that their systems are very intelligent. However, Hassabis claims that current Artificial intelligence models do not even have an IQ equivalent to that of a domestic cat. In our article titled « How do AI systems work? », we explained in detail that AI systems are primarily based on probability prediction rather than intelligence. Hassabis’ statement builds on this fundamental principle.
Intelligence is a general concept
Intelligence includes not only the ability to perform mental tasks, perceive, understand, judge, and draw conclusions about real objects, but also the ability to abstract, learn, and adapt to new situations. In other words, intelligence is a very broad concept. Current Artificial intelligence systems are only effective in very specific areas.
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Hassabis’ work focuses on AGI
Hassabis’ work does not focus on current Artificial intelligence systems but on AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). Hassabis states: « We are still very far from human-level general intelligence. However, Artificial intelligence is better than the best humans in specific areas, such as playing games. » An AGI would be able to perform at a human level in all areas, although such a system has not yet been created. For now, these assumptions remain theoretical.
Artificial intelligence will be a major breakthrough
Hassabis predicts that Artificial intelligence will be a breakthrough as significant as the industrial revolution, the invention of fire, or electricity. He believes that Artificial intelligence will have a significant impact on energy, materials science, healthcare, climate, and mathematics. Hassabis also mentioned « Project Astra, » which Google DeepMind is working on. Project Astra will be a more advanced AI than a chatbot like ChatGPT or even Google’s Gemini. It will be aware of the user’s situation, environment, preferences, history, and much more. Project Astra was presented at Google I/O 2024 with a short presentation and an impressive video
