Masayoshi Son's Ambitious AI Vision

Masayoshi Son, the founder and CEO of Japanese investment giant Softbank, has set an ambitious goal for the company: to develop "artificial super intelligence" (ASI). Speaking at Softbank's annual meeting in Tokyo on June 21, Son predicted that AI would be 1 to 10 times smarter than humans by 2030 and 10,000 times smarter by 2035.

Key Highlights from Son's Speech

During his emotionally charged address to employees, Son laid out the company's future priorities. He emphasized Softbank's dedication to advancing ASI, a form of artificial intelligence far surpassing human capabilities. He distinguished between artificial general intelligence (AGI) and ASI, explaining that AGI would match the intelligence of a human genius, while ASI would possess intelligence 10,000 times greater than a human's.

Implications of ASI

Son's vision for ASI suggests a transformative impact on human life, potentially revolutionizing various aspects of society. However, it's important to note that the concepts of AGI and ASI remain theoretical, with no scientific consensus or existing technology proving their feasibility.

Market Reactions and Personal Reflections

Son's speech also touched on his personal reflections and the future of Softbank. He mentioned a realization two years ago about his aging and the desire to achieve more significant accomplishments in his remaining years. This introspective moment seemed to unsettle some investors, leading to a more than three percent drop in Softbank's share price by the close of the Tokyo stock exchange.

Son's Dedication to ASI

Despite the market reaction, Son's commitment to ASI is unwavering. He passionately stated:
“SoftBank was founded for what purpose? For what purpose was Masa Son born? It may sound strange, but I think I was born to realize ASI. I am super serious about it.”

Conclusion

Masayoshi Son's vision for Softbank focuses on pushing the boundaries of AI to create a future where artificial super intelligence becomes a reality. While the path to achieving ASI is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Son's dedication underscores his belief in the transformative power of AI.