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SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predicts AI 10,000 times smarter than humans will emerge in 10 years, marking a transformative leap in technology.
Son Predicts AGI in 3-5 Years
Per CNBC, in a rare public speech on Friday, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son questioned his own purpose in life and predicted that artificial intelligence 10,000 times smarter than humans will be present in 10 years. Son described an ideal society that would use ASI (artificial super intelligence).
Another phrase that the CEO initially brought up was artificial general intelligence (AGI), which is shorthand for AI that can outsmart humans in general. Contrary to his expectations, Son stated that this technology—which is expected to be one to ten times smarter than humans—will be available within the next three to five years.
However, if AGI is not significantly smarter than humans, "then we don't need to change the way of living, we don't need to change the structure of human lifestyle," Son said, according to a live translation of his comments in Japanese delivered during SoftBank's annual general meeting of shareholders.
ASI to Revolutionize Society
On the other hand, things change dramatically when discussing ASI. You can expect significant enhancements using ASI.
"But when it comes to ASI it's a totally different story. [With] ASI, you will see a big improvement."
The future, according to Son, will be filled with interconnected ASI models, much like the neurons in a human brain. Channel News Asia shares that according to Son, this will result in artificial intelligence that surpasses human geniuses by a factor of 10,000.
In Japan, SoftBank shares fell by over 3% after the meeting.
Son announced that SoftBank would enter "defense" mode and be more cautious with its investments following Vision Fund's then-record financial losses in 2022.
Vision Fund Shifts Strategy
Upon a complete about-face, the Vision Fund set a new loss record in 2023, and Son declared that SoftBank would now go on the "offensive," citing his enthusiasm for AI investment potential as the reason. After that, Son largely disappeared from view.
On Friday, he took the stage again to ask some profound existential questions.
"Two years ago, I am getting old, rest of my life is limited, but I haven't done anything yet and I cried so hard," Son remarked, implying that he feels that he hasn't accomplished anything significant thus far.
The "evolution of humanity" is the objective of SoftBank, he continued, adding that he had now discovered it. Additionally, he stated that he has found his own personal purpose in life.
