Zhu Songchun, a key figure in AGI research, emphasizes the importance of human-like “hearts” in AI and the crucial role of talent in global technology competition.
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) would permeate every aspect of our society, the quest for general artificial intelligence (AGI) has become a global race, with China positioning itself as the frontrunner. AGI, a type of AI designed to understand, learn, and apply knowledge to a wide range of tasks, represents the next leap in the evolution of intelligent systems.
At the second session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Zhu Songchun, CPPCC member and director of the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, emphasized that the key to mastering AGI lies not just in algorithms and computing power, but in cultivating a ‘heart’ for machines. This metaphorical “heart” represents the development of AI that can communicate in a more human-like, empathetic way, changing the way machines serve society.
The unveiling of ‘Tongtong’, the world’s first AGI personified as a little girl, in Beijing in late January was a testament to the progress being made. Zhu envisions that AGI like Tongtong will eventually become an integral part of our daily lives, tackling challenges such as elderly care by providing services that go beyond mere functionality and provide compassionate companionship.
Zhu’s focus on talent as a crucial factor in winning the global technology competition is reflected in his efforts to train a new generation of AI specialists. For the past three years, he has taught experimental AGI classes at Peking University and Tsinghua University, where he has gathered the country’s brightest young minds. With support from the Ministry of Education, the ‘Tong Plan’ – a joint doctoral training program in AGI – has been expanded to eight universities, promoting a strategic national force in this field.
As China continues to invest heavily in AI research and development, Zhu’s confidence in a unique technological path suited to the country’s conditions is unwavering. He believes in the safe and beneficial growth of AGI, with the potential to make significant contributions to humanity.
The international community is watching closely as China continues its AGI initiatives. With ethical considerations and the governance of AI being hotly debated, the development of AGI systems like Tongtong raises important questions about the future relationship between humans and machines.
The integration of AI into various sectors, including finance, healthcare and transportation, is already underway, with blockchain technology often playing a supporting role in securing AI operations. As AGI advances, convergence with blockchain could potentially lead to more robust, transparent, and secure AI applications.
This evolving landscape highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to AI development, where technology, ethics and policy intersect. With figures like Zhu Songchun leading the conversation, the world may be on the cusp of an AI revolution that is as much about the “heart” as it is the “mind” of the technology we create.
As we continue to observe and report on these developments, it is clear that AGI represents not only a technological advancement, but also a paradigm shift in our interactions with machines. The journey to creating AI with a ‘heart’ will undoubtedly be complex and challenging, yet it is a journey that could redefine the essence of innovation and collaboration in the digital age.
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