Singularity: Kurzweil expects intelligent computers as humans within 12 years.

According to the futurologist and chief engineer of Google Ray Kurzweil the singularity is approaching by leaps and bounds.

“By 2029, computers will have the same level of intelligence as humans.” This is the statement made in a recent interview at the SXSW Conference.

What is the singularity? (It's always good to remember this)

It is a process-event that will bring the intelligence of computers to a higher level than that of human beings. And according to leading experts on the subject it seems to be getting closer over time. Even the theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking anticipates the date, placing it in a time frame of less than the next 30 years.

The same forecast comes from Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, who is an active part of this transition with his activities.

“I think a big paradigm shift is coming,” he said at a press conference in October. Discussing the details of a 100 billion euro investment fund, he reiterated his intentions. “The singularity is the biggest topic of debate. And it will be a reality within 30 years."

At present a computer must be able to overcome the Turing test to determine his “thinking” capacity. Kurzweil does not seem worried by the warnings about the dangers of artificial intelligence, despite the fact that they come from various quarters (among others Elon Musk and Bill Gates). “It is unrealistic to think that an artificial intelligence could reduce the world to slavery. Already today we see billions of them at work."

Despite everything, there is more than one point in common between Kurzweil and Musk on the vision of singularity. To begin with, the need to integrate man and machine as much as possible, to "humanize" artificial intelligence (and enhance human beings). A convergence that in a tiny form is also happening now (robotic prostheses, exoskeletons, projects on Parkinson's patients).

“The singularity makes us, will make us smarter,” he concludes. “Machines may not be integrated into our bodies, but by 2030 we will connect to them. We will interface our neocortex with a machine to manage data and regulate perceptions. It will make many things easier for us. And listening to music or having other kinds of experiences will be more thrilling than ever."