Artificial superintelligence

Artificial superintelligence (ASI) refers to a theoretical form of AI capable of surpassing human intelligence across an almost comprehensive range of categories. Also known as super A, ASI is considered the most advanced and powerful type of AI, transcending the limits of the human mind. ASI does not exist and is a hypothetical form of AI. Existing AI systems are referred to as narrow or weak AI, high-functioning systems that can replicate or surpass human intelligence in specific tasks or situations.

Machines with superintelligence would be self-aware and capable of thinking of abstractions and interpretations that humans could not, as the human brain is limited to a few billion neurons. ASI agents would be able to quickly understand, analyze, and process circumstances and respond with actions. They would be able to make better decisions and problem-solve to a higher level than humans. They could understand and interpret human emotions and experiences, developing emotional understanding, beliefs, and desires.

ASI would have applications in virtually every domain of human interest, including maths, science, arts, sports, medicine, and marketing. However, researchers have not demonstrated ASI capabilities, with some in the field skeptical that it will ever be possible. Others have raised concerns about the potential threat ASI could pose to humanity.

Existing machine and deep learning algorithms are based on neural networks that can learn from previous results, iterating to better their performance. Therefore these algorithms are continually improving, processing data more effectively than previous AI systems. However, despite advancements in neural networks, these models are limited to solving specific problems, unlike the more general nature of human intelligence. Scientists are currently working on artificial general intelligence (AGI), a more general form of AI seen as a precursor to ASI. AGI systems could perform any task with the same capabilities as a human.

While researchers and companies are striving for ASI, many other experts in the field have warned of the potential dangers of an advanced form of machine intelligence. This includes well-known people in the field of technology, such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk. Critics argue ASI is a threat to humanity via a number of potential risks:

• Loss of control leading to unforeseen and unstoppable actions.
• The weaponization of ASI or use for social control. Integrating ASI into the military could lead to autonomous weapons systems with significant power.
• ASI alignment problems and finding a destructive method to achieving its goals that don't fit human values.
• The ethical implications of ASI without human ethics and values.

The implications of developing ASI led OpenAI to introduce the Superalignment project in July 2023. The project is aiming to develop the scientific and technical breakthroughs required to steer and control AI systems within four years.