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Author: Tanishq Bodh
‣ Ben Goertzel is a computer scientist, AI researcher, and businessman who helped popularize the term ‘artificial general intelligence’ (AGI).
‣ In May 2007, he spoke at a Google tech talk about his approach to creating AGI, defining intelligence as the ability to detect patterns and achieve complex goals in complex environments.
‣ Goertzel’s method involves initializing a “baby-like” AI and training it in virtual worlds like Second Life to develop powerful intelligence. This involves a network with nodes and links carrying probabilistic truth and attention values, operating with a combination of probabilistic inference and evolutionary programming.
‣ The 2012 documentary The Singularity by Doug Wolens discussed Goertzel’s views on AGI.
‣ In 2023, Goertzel predicted that AI could replace up to 80% of human jobs in the coming years. At the Web Summit 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, he advocated against curbing AI research and asserted that AGI is only a few years away, believing it will positively impact societal issues like climate change.
Leadership and Achievements
‣ Dr. Goertzel leads the SingularityNET Foundation, the OpenCog Foundation, and the AGI Society, which hosts the annual Artificial General Intelligence conference.
‣ He chairs the futurist nonprofit Humanity+ and serves as Chief Scientist for Singularity Studio, Rejuve, SingularityDAO, and Xccelerando Media within the SingularityNET ecosystem.
‣ As Chief Scientist of Hanson Robotics, he led the team behind the Sophia robot and now leads the AI development for her sister, Grace, at Awakening Health.
ASI Alliance and New Role
‣ The merger of http://Fetch.ai, Ocean Protocol, and SingularityNET into the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI) is set to revolutionize the decentralized AI ecosystem. This integration will streamline operations, enhance interoperability, and position ASI as a leading force in decentralized AI.
‣ Ben Goertzel will take charge as the CEO of ASI, with Humayun Sheikh serving as chairman.
Research and Publications
‣ Dr. Goertzel’s research spans AGI, natural language processing, cognitive science, machine learning, computational finance, bioinformatics, virtual worlds, gaming, parapsychology, and theoretical physics.
‣ He has published over 25 scientific books, approximately 150 technical papers, and numerous journalistic articles, and has given talks globally.
Personal Background
‣ Born in Brazil to American parents, Dr. Goertzel relocated from Hong Kong to rural Seattle in 2020. He holds a PhD in mathematics from Temple University and has served as faculty in mathematics, computer science, and cognitive science departments in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
‣ Dr. Goertzel is married to computational linguist Ruiting Lian and has five children and one grandchild. He enjoys creating experimental fiction and music, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Ben Goertzel’s pioneering work in AI continues to shape the future of technology and its role in society.
