Sam Altman says OpenAI will have a ‘legitimate AI researcher’ by 2028

During a recent livestream, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman outlined the company's ambitious plans for the future of artificial intelligence, stating that they aim to develop a 'legitimate AI researcher' by 2028. The announcement comes as OpenAI transitions to a public benefit corporation, allowing for greater flexibility in raising funds and pursuing its goals. Altman shared that OpenAI is on track to create an intern-level research assistant powered by AI by September 2026. Jakub Pachocki, the chief scientist at OpenAI, joined Altman and elaborated on the vision of this AI researcher, emphasizing its capability to manage extensive research projects autonomously. He highlighted the potential for deep learning systems to evolve towards superintelligence within the next decade, a state where AI can outperform humans in a wide array of critical tasks. To achieve these groundbreaking objectives, OpenAI is focusing on two main strategies: enhancing their algorithms and significantly increasing the computational resources dedicated to problem-solving. Currently, their models can engage with tasks over a five-hour timeframe, performing at levels comparable to top human competitors in prestigious events like the International Mathematics Olympiad. Pachocki believes that extending this timeframe through increased computational power could lead to major scientific breakthroughs. OpenAI's new structure not only aims to accelerate advancements in scientific research but also to ensure responsible AI development. The non-profit OpenAI Foundation will retain a 26% ownership stake in the for-profit entity, guiding the research direction while committing to using AI to address critical issues such as disease treatment. Altman emphasized that the for-profit segment's enhanced funding capabilities would facilitate the necessary infrastructure expansion, with OpenAI committing to a staggering 30 gigawatts of computing power, representing a $1.4 trillion investment over the coming years.