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 human intelligence." This is the statement made in a recent interview at the SXSW Conference.
What is the singularity? (It is always good to remember that)
It is a process-event that will take 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 approaching in time. The theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking also anticipates the date by 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 investment fund, he reiterated his intentions. "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" ability. Kurzweil does not seem worried by the warnings about the dangers of artificial intelligence, despite coming from various parts (among others Elon Musk and Bill Gates). "It is unrealistic to think that artificial intelligence can enslave the world. Already today we see billions at work."
Despite everything between Kurzweil and Musk there is more than one point in common 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 the human being). A convergence that is taking place even now in minuscule form (robotic prostheses, exoskeletons, projects on Parkinson's patients).
“Singularity makes us, it will make us smarter,” he concludes. “Machines may not be integrated into our bodies, but by 2030 we will be connecting to them. We will interface our neocortex with a machine to manage data and regulate perceptions. It will simplify many things for us. And listening to music or having other kinds of experiences will be more thrilling than ever. "
