Artificial intelligence has already exceeded human abilities in certain areas, according to Google DeepMind’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean. He observes that many of today’s leading AI models are capable of handling a wide variety of “non-physical tasks” better than an average person can.

During his appearance on the Moonshot Podcast, Dean highlighted that most individuals find it quite challenging when faced with tasks they are not used to doing. In contrast, he pointed out that modern AI systems are often able to tackle these unfamiliar problems with a fair degree of success.

“Most people are not that good at a random task that they’ve never done before, and some of the models we have today are actually pretty reasonable at most things,” he said. 

Dean made it clear that there is a significant difference between outperforming everyday individuals and reaching the standards set by leading experts. He emphasised that although AI can manage a broad spectrum of cognitive tasks with competence, these systems still have their shortcomings and should not be considered flawless.

“They will fail at a lot of things, they’re not human, expert level in some things,” he said.

Dean noted AI’s remarkable capacity to apply its knowledge across a variety of fields. This is a skill that many people find difficult to achieve as effectively, according to the seasoned software engineer.

When questioned about whether computers might soon outpace humans in generating scientific or engineering breakthroughs, he indicated that such a transition is already underway in certain specialised areas. “We’re actually probably already close to that in some domains,” he said.

Another aspect he touched upon in the podcast is his hesitation to discuss artificial general intelligence. “The reason I tend to steer away from AGI conversations is lots of people have very different definitions of it, and the difficulty of the problem varies by factors of a trillion,” the top scientist highlighted.

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind and Dean’s boss, holds a more hopeful view on AGI. In a recent interview with WIRED, he expressed confidence that a major breakthrough in AGI could be realised within the next five to ten years, signalling a significant advance in AI capabilities.

Google DeepMind is the primary IA research lab of the tech giant. It was formed in 2023 after the merger of DeepMind and Google Brain, the company’s in-house AI research team.  

SAGINAW, MI — A thought-provoking examination of artificial intelligence’s influence on reading, writing, and research will be presented from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Saginaw-based Hoyt Public Library.

Erik Trump, a professor of political science at Saginaw Valley State University, will deliver a lecture, titled “AI Reading, Writing, and Research: What’s Left Behind for Us?”

The presentation will explore whether AI represents a pivotal moment for public knowledge, literacy, and libraries, organizers said.

Trump, who serves as director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at SVSU, will demonstrate AI tools during the presentation while examining how generative AI is reshaping fundamental aspects of learning and research.

The lecture will address both contemporary concerns and long-standing cultural anxieties about artificial intelligence.

Trump brings extensive expertise to the topic, with research interests spanning politics, culture, and technology. His recent work has focused on AI’s transformation of education and everyday life.

He has authored several books, including “The Architecture of Survival: Setting and Politics in Apocalypse Films,” co-written with a former student.

The event at the library, 505 Janes in Saginaw, is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Interested attendees can register through the day of the event at saginawlibrary.org/events.

Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by Hoyt Library organizers. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.

(Alliance News) – Cerillion PLC on Tuesday said it has been recognised in two recently published artificial intelligence reports from Gartner Inc, a Connecticut-based research and advisory firm.

The London-based billing, charging and customer relationship management software said it was named in the Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for AI in communication service provider customer and business operations report, and in a report on critical capabilities for AI in the same sector.

Cerillion said Gartner evaluated vendors across criteria including market understanding, product strategy, sales strategy, innovation and customer experience.

The firm said it believes its inclusion in the reports follows its ongoing investment in AI-powered capabilities.

“We’re delighted to be recognised in these new Magic Quadrant and Critical Capabilities reports for AI in CSP customer and business operations,” said Chief Executive Officer Louis Hall.

“We believe it validates our ongoing strategy of embedding advanced AI into our [software-as-a-service]-based, composable [business support systems]/[operations support systems] suite to help CSPs streamline operations, enhance customer experience and accelerate innovation.”

Shares in Cerillion were up 2.0% at 1,397.50 pence in London on Tuesday morning.

By Michael Hennessey, Alliance News reporter

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