SoftBank CEO Predicts AI 10,000 Times Smarter Than Humans in 10 Years
In a rare public appearance, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) would become 10,000 times smarter than humans within the next decade. He shared this vision during SoftBank’s annual general meeting of shareholders.
Son introduced the concept of artificial superintelligence (ASI), which he believes will greatly enhance human capabilities. He also discussed artificial general intelligence (AGI), an earlier stage of AI expected to be one to ten times smarter than humans. Son anticipates AGI will arrive in the next three to five years, sooner than previously thought. While AGI may not drastically change human life, ASI will bring significant improvements and transformations.
Son explained that future ASI models would interact like neurons in a human brain, making AI vastly superior to any human genius. Despite the exciting prospects, SoftBank shares fell by more than 3% following his announcement.
Masayoshi Son, known for his early investment in Alibaba, launched SoftBank's Vision Fund in 2017 to back tech firms. Although some investments were successful, others, like WeWork, faced notable failures. After substantial financial losses at Vision Fund in 2022, Son shifted to a more conservative investment approach. However, following another record loss in 2023, he returned to an offensive strategy, driven by new AI investment opportunities.
Son, who had been out of the public eye, used this occasion to share personal reflections. He revealed that he had questioned his life’s achievements but now believes SoftBank’s mission is the “evolution of humanity.” He stated that his purpose is to realize ASI, expressing a strong commitment to this goal.
“SoftBank was founded for what purpose? For what purpose was Masa Son born? I think I was born to realize ASI. I am super serious about it,” Son said.
Key Points
AI Superintelligence Prediction: SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will be 10,000 times smarter than humans within the next 10 years.
Introduction of ASI and AGI: Son introduced the concepts of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI, one to ten times smarter than humans, is expected to arrive in three to five years, while ASI will bring significant advancements.
SoftBank’s Mission and Son’s Purpose: Son shared that SoftBank’s mission is the "evolution of humanity" and revealed his purpose to realize ASI, marking a renewed focus on AI investments despite previous financial challenges.
FAQs
Q1. What did SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predict about AI?
He predicted that AI will be 10,000 times smarter than humans in 10 years.
Q2. What is artificial superintelligence (ASI)?
ASI is a type of AI that is much smarter than any human genius.
Q3. How will ASI be different from AGI?
AGI will be slightly smarter than humans, while ASI will be 10,000 times smarter and bring major improvements.
Q4. What personal revelation did the Son share?
He shared that he found his life purpose in helping to achieve ASI.
Reference