Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, recently revealed his dream for artificial intelligence’s future. He announced that we are moving into a new age of “free intelligence.” In a recent interview with Harvard University professor Arthur Brooks, Gates expressed his belief that advances in AI technology will eventually render humans unnecessary "for most things" in the world. As a case in point, he stressed how fast new AI advancements are moving. His optimism noticeably overtakes him when it comes to all the potential good AI can do for humanity.
Gates highlighted the potential of AI to revolutionize various industries, stating that tasks related to manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture may become "basically solved problems" over time. He brought this point home in a compelling way by sharing a personal story. He dared OpenAI to create a model that could score in the top percentile on a high school AP Biology test. The assignment, which Gates thought would take several years, took only a few months. Gates called this achievement "the most important advance in technology since the graphical user interface."
"There will be some things we reserve for ourselves. But in terms of making things and moving things and growing food, over time those will be basically solved problems," said Gates.
Yet, even with these major advancements, Gates admitted that there are some areas where only humans will do. He observed, for example, that some occupations—such as being an outstanding physician or educator—require a high degree of specialization. This human expertise is rare and something that AI cannot replicate.
"With AI, over the next decade, that will become free, commonplace — great medical advice, great tutoring," he added.
Gates talked about the concerns that have developed around AI’s rapid ascendance, acknowledging them as “understandable and valid.” He’s undeterred and hopeful still about the world of good AI can bring. He has been a passionate and vocal proponent for young people at Microsoft, OpenAI and other companies to help them learn how to build careers working on AI. If he had to start a new business from the ground up today, Gates would get into AI. He imagines it as an “AI-first” startup.
Gates spoke to AI’s transformative potential. He expressed his wonderment that it’s never been easier for entrepreneurs to raise capital for AI projects. After all, he was calling attention to the most titillating trend of them all. Today, even really sketchy ideas can raise billions in seed funding for new AI startups!
"The work in artificial intelligence today is at a really profound level," Gates remarked.