OpenAI CEO Sam Altman foresees superintelligent AI transforming daily life and solving global challenges, while BT gears up for a historic copper recycling initiative to support a high-speed fibre network across the UK.
Superintelligent AI and Infrastructure Overhaul: Visionaries Predict the Future
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared his belief that superintelligent artificial intelligence (AI) is on the horizon, potentially only “a few thousand days” away. In his recent blog post published on Monday, Altman envisioned a transformation in daily human life driven by this new technology, which surpasses human capabilities.
Altman detailed an optimistic future enabled by superintelligence, which he believes will catalyse unprecedented progress in solving complex global challenges. He suggested that advancements could lead to climate change solutions, space colonisation, and breakthroughs in understanding fundamental physics. This prediction followed a New York Times report linking Altman with renowned former Apple designer Jony Ive on a clandestine AI device project.
The OpenAI executive highlighted a gradual yet revolutionary change, where AI would enhance personal and professional productivity. Altman envisaged virtual tutors offering bespoke education to children in multiple languages and autonomous assistants managing tasks like medical care coordination. However, he emphasized the necessity for robust infrastructure and reduced computing costs to unlock the full potential of AI. Without sufficient infrastructure, Altman cautioned that AI could become an elitist tool, leading to conflicts over its limited availability.
Despite his enthusiasm, Altman remains vocal about the potential dangers of AI, aligning with other tech leaders like Bill Gates and Elon Musk in acknowledging “catastrophic risks.” Concerns about AI’s impact persist, with sceptics like linguistics professor Noam Chomsky and former MIT CSAIL head Rodney Brooks arguing against the notion that AI could surpass human cognition.
Meanwhile, in another significant development, telecommunications giant BT has struck a pioneering recycling deal for surplus copper cables. As reported by the Guardian, BT earned £105 million from a forward agreement to sell copper granules, marking its first venture into copper recycling. This initiative aligns with BT’s larger £15 billion project to replace old networks with high-speed full-fibre broadband for 25 million homes.
Openreach, BT’s network division, estimates that up to 200,000 tonnes of copper could be recovered throughout the 2030s as part of this transition. Copper remains crucial for energy transition plans, though recycling and substitution alone may not meet the demands posed by electric vehicles, new power infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.
Clive Selley, CEO of Openreach, affirmed the ongoing need for investment in full fibre technology to reach more challenging and costly areas of the UK. He emphasised the importance of regulatory stability provided by Ofcom to ensure continued investment and support for economic growth. Selley cited BT’s progress, with 13.8 million premises now equipped with ultrafast broadband, representing over 40% of UK homes and businesses, and an ambitious target of 30 million premises by 2030.
In summary, whether through cutting-edge AI or a revolutionised fibre network, these developments spearheaded by industry leaders underscore major shifts on the technological landscape, promising to reshape various facets of contemporary life.
Source: Noah Wire Services
