The head of Japan’s SoftBank Group has said artificial intelligence will significantly exceed human intelligence within a decade, and AI will understand people’s feelings to operate in harmony.
Chairman and CEO Son Masayoshi delivered a speech in Tokyo on Thursday. He has indicated he plans to make AI a key pillar of the company’s business.
Son predicted that artificial superintelligence, or ASI, will be achieved within a decade.
He reassured those concerned about risks, even as he said intelligence alone could be dangerous.
Son said, “There is no need to fear. ASI systems will take care of us and be in harmony with us. This world of superintelligence will come within 10 years”.
Son also said he thinks AI will start serving as personal agents for users within 2 or 3 years, to handle tasks like schedule management and shopping.
Son did not touch on Western media reports that SoftBank Group’s Vision Fund will invest in US tech firm OpenAI.
Competition over AI development has been heating up among US tech giants, major Japanese IT firms and startups.