Science fiction stories like Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Her depict artificial intelligence tools functioning like the human mind, complete with complex decision-making power and emotional complexity. Though there have been huge leaps in the technology, today’s AI models bear little resemblance to these narratives. 

What’s depicted in these films is artificial general intelligence—something far more advanced than what we have on hand today. Today’s AI models are more sophisticated machine learning algorithms than sentient beings.

Still, artificial general intelligence may not stay in the realm of sci-fi forever. Developers and computer scientists are actively researching the technology to develop AI tools with human abilities. For now, it’s a speculative concept with potential risks and benefits we can predict from our experiences with today’s advanced AI tools. 

What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)?

The term artificial general intelligence, or AGI, refers to theoretical AI technology that could mimic human intelligence and even surpass human capabilities. This technology would be capable of learning and applying knowledge to different scenarios, complex problem-solving, and sensory perception. AGI research aims to create a tool that can complete any human task.

Artificial general intelligence is speculative. Scientists and researchers are still debating its exact definition and requirements. Some developers believe true AGI must replicate human thought processes to complete cognitive tasks. Others think that alternative forms of reasoning, such as computational models, can achieve the same results. 

How is AGI different from AI?

Artificial intelligence is a general term for technology that mimics human capabilities and can complete some tasks typically performed by people. Some of these AI systems are weak AI (or narrow AI), while others are strong AI (also called general AI). 

Imagine a spectrum where an ecommerce website’s chatbot is on one end and on the other is a robot that can think, act, and reason exactly like a human being but better. You can see how much room there is between the weakest and strongest AI.

Current generative AI tools (gen AI for short) like ChatGPT and Midjourney are still weak AI. Weak AI excels at performing specific tasks, and these systems most often perform a singular function thanks to training from a deep learning model. They cannot do work they weren’t trained to do. A large language model, for example, cannot complete image recognition tasks or play chess at a high level. 

Artificial general intelligence would be able to execute a broad range of tasks. True AGI would interpret new information, learn, and adapt to scenarios without human oversight, all while demonstrating human-level performance, reasoning, and common sense.

Does AGI exist?

Artificial general intelligence is a major area of interest for researchers and computer scientists, but true AGI does not currently exist. Although there are many AI tools with impressive capabilities on the market, they all still fit under the umbrella of regular AI. Significant advances in the field of computer science—including in machine learning and sensor technology—will be necessary before we achieve AGI. 

What abilities does AGI need?

Mimicking the human brain with machine intelligence is a lofty goal. AGI tools would need advanced sensory and cognitive abilities to complete many of the tasks currently performed by humans. These are some of the capabilities required to build true AGI systems:

• Sensory perception. AGI systems should be able to interpret auditory and visual data. With sensory perception, these tools would be able to understand and respond to the physical world.

• Fine motor skills. AGI systems should be able to move and manipulate objects in the same ways a human being can.

• Creativity. Today’s AI is not truly creative because generative AI models respond to prompts by following patterns established by training data. AGI tools should be capable of forming original ideas. 

• Transfer learning. AGI systems will be able to transfer learning. This is the practice of applying skills and techniques learned in one application to another. 

• Common sense. Common sense governs the way that humans make decisions about the world. AGI systems would need to apply common sense reasoning to decision-making. 

• Emotional abilities. To successfully interact with human life, full artificial intelligence needs to interpret and respond to emotional cues. 

• Natural language processing. AGI systems need to understand and replicate human language. Natural language processing is essential for communicating with humans. 

The future of AGI

The development of AGI could have profound impacts on the nature of work. Although this technology has the potential to revolutionize a range of industries, it also raises ethical questions and some questions about feasibility.

Concerns

The development of a hypothetical computer program that can match or exceed generalized human cognitive abilities generates a host of novel ethical concerns:

• Autonomy. An AGI system could make autonomous decisions. But without a universal set of morals, it’s unclear how to create an artificial intelligence tool that makes broadly acceptable choices. 

• Economic consequences. An AGI tool could have negative economic consequences because, if the majority of economically viable work is something AGI systems could easily replace, average humans might struggle to earn an income. 

• Controllability. Some theorists also fear that if AI surpasses human intelligence it may surpass human control as well. If AGI systems begin acting in their own best interest, the technology could present an existential risk to mankind. 

In addition to ethical concerns, some researchers question if the development of AGI is technically possible. Scientists don’t fully understand the complexity of the biological brain—this may make brain emulation impossible. Other concerns point to data processing and computational power limitations.

Potential uses 

AGI systems would be capable of performing a broad range of tasks:

• Data processing. The ability to process large amounts of data quickly could revolutionize medicine. With advanced pattern recognition capabilities, AGI tools scan medical images and make diagnoses, potentially reducing the error rate in the medical industry. 

• Medical procedures. With fine motor skills, these tools may even be capable of performing medical procedures. 

• Transportation. Autonomous decision-making could also enable self-driving car technology. AGI tools would be able to interpret risks on the road and react quickly. 

• Customer care. AGI systems could execute a variety of quantitative and qualitative tasks for ecommerce businesses. A system with advanced social and emotional skills could offer sophisticated customer care services. 

• Analytics. AGI technology would also be able to analyze performance data, balance accounts, and conduct inventory management. 

Technological advancements

The development of AGI is contingent on significant advancements in AI research. These are some of the key technological advancements required for AGI systems: 

• Computing advancements. Advanced artificial intelligence systems would require a massive amount of computing power to process multiple types of data at once and mimic the way humans perceive the world. Current computers are not powerful enough to process a high volume of data at the speed required for AGI. 

• Advanced learning developments. To learn autonomously, AGI technology would need to build on the learning protocols used in current AI tools. Machine learning techniques based on deep learning and neural networks can create specialized systems but are not capable of producing a tool with broad reasoning capabilities.

• AI safety protocols. Scientists would need to design and implement a set of safety protocols before implementing AGI technology. Developing this framework may require advancements in the field of cognitive science; a deeper understanding of human consciousness and how it develops could inform the development of brain-inspired technology.

• Robotic technology advancements. AGI tools will need sophisticated sensors and robotic technology to achieve human-level sensory perception. Developing these sensors requires significant advancements in computer vision and speech recognition technology.