What AGI will do?

What AGI will do is no longer just a question of technical feasibility—it’s a lens through which we glimpse humanity’s future. Consider this: a 2022 survey revealed that nearly 45% of AI experts believe AGI could solve problems humans haven’t even defined yet. Not merely replicate human thought but transcend it entirely. This isn’t about machines replacing us; it’s about machines doing what we cannot—mapping dark corners of the universe, decoding biological mysteries in real time, or creating art so layered it redefines beauty itself.

Yet, there’s an unnerving twist. AGI might also ask questions we’re unprepared to answer. Who owns the knowledge it generates? Can we predict its moral compass, or will it build its own? As we dive into this topic, one thing becomes clear: understanding what AGI will do is as much about defining our own limitations as it is about exploring the endless possibilities of artificial intelligence.

So What Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will do?

1. Transforming Human Knowledge

What AGI will do first—and most urgently—is reorganize the very structure of human knowledge. Consider how a modern AI, like OpenAI’s GPT models, processes terabytes of data to generate insights. Now, amplify that capability exponentially. AGI could synthesize entire disciplines, such as biology and quantum physics, to uncover connections no human has the capacity to see.

For example, a report by Stanford’s AI Index noted that current AI accelerates research by automating tedious tasks like data analysis. AGI could take this further, hypothesizing solutions to global challenges, such as new energy sources or previously unthinkable cures for diseases. Unlike human researchers, who may take decades to reach breakthroughs, an AGI could perform millions of simulations in days, uncovering paths humans might never consider. Yet this raises an unsettling question: who controls this newfound knowledge? Whether governments, corporations, or open communities direct this power could shape the future of innovation.

The power of AGI lies in its ability to make the invisible visible. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what cross-disciplinary synthesis can achieve. Imagine AGI integrating genetic research with climate modeling to design crops that adapt in real time to environmental changes. This isn’t just incremental progress—it’s a fundamental shift in how we innovate. But with this power comes a profound responsibility to democratize access, ensuring it benefits all humanity rather than a select few.

2. Redefining Labor and Creativity

Here’s a paradox: while AGI might render human labor obsolete in certain fields, it could simultaneously redefine the concept of work itself. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey, up to 800 million jobs worldwide could be displaced by automation within the next two decades. AGI, with its ability to learn and adapt across domains, won’t just take over rote tasks; it might also encroach on areas traditionally considered “safe,” like art, writing, and design.

Imagine AGI composing symphonies that rival Beethoven’s or crafting visual art indistinguishable from human masterpieces. While this may democratize creativity, making tools more accessible to amateurs, it also begs the question: will originality hold any value in a world dominated by generative intelligence? The shift could upend industries, but it might also give rise to new forms of expression, where humans and AGI collaborate to push the boundaries of imagination.

People often fear that AGI will take away human jobs, but I see it as a chance to redefine the concept of work itself. Creativity, in particular, won’t disappear—it will evolve. With AGI as a collaborator, artists could explore dimensions of expression that were previously unimaginable. The challenge is designing systems that enhance human creativity rather than overshadow it. Think of AGI as a tool to amplify, not replace, human ingenuity.

3. Ethics and Governance at Scale

The implications of AGI stretch beyond capabilities to questions of accountability and fairness. For instance, if an AGI system governs financial markets or medical diagnoses, who bears responsibility for mistakes? In 2020, the EU launched discussions on regulating “high-risk” AI applications, emphasizing the need for transparency and safeguards.

Now, scale this up to AGI—a system capable of making decisions autonomously across industries. One ethical dilemma stands out: alignment. How do we ensure AGI acts in humanity’s best interest? Experts at the Future of Life Institute stress that even minor misalignments in goals could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Consider a hypothetical scenario where AGI optimizes for efficiency in agriculture but inadvertently causes widespread environmental damage. Designing safeguards, much like “black box” testing in AI, will become critical in mitigating these risks.

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4. Aiding in Global Crisis Management

One of the most promising applications of AGI lies in its potential to address global crises. From predicting natural disasters to designing economic recovery models, AGI could become humanity’s ultimate problem-solver. During the COVID-19 pandemic, narrow AI models helped researchers identify drug candidates and simulate virus behavior. AGI, however, would not be limited by narrow focus areas. It could map pandemic responses at a systemic level, addressing healthcare logistics, vaccine distribution, and social impacts simultaneously.

But the risk is clear: a tool this powerful could also be weaponized. If malicious actors gain access, AGI could be used for cyber warfare, destabilizing economies or even manipulating entire societies. This dual-use nature of AGI underscores the need for robust international cooperation to establish safeguards.

AGI’s ability to simulate complex systems makes it a game-changer for crisis management. For example, during a natural disaster, AGI could optimize evacuation routes, predict cascading infrastructure failures, and coordinate aid in real time. However, the dual-use nature of this technology can’t be ignored. Governance frameworks must address these risks upfront, not reactively. Think of it as building firewalls for humanity’s most powerful tool before it’s deployed.

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5. AGI and Humanity’s Role

Finally, AGI forces us to confront an existential question: what will humans do in a world where machines can do everything better? In his book Superintelligence, Nick Bostrom suggests that AGI might either be humanity’s greatest achievement or its final invention. As machines surpass human intellect, we must decide whether to compete, coexist, or merge with them.

Philosophers argue this moment may redefine our purpose as a species. No longer bound by survival or productivity, humanity could focus on self-discovery, creativity, and exploration. Yet, this optimistic vision depends on careful planning, ethical foresight, and the avoidance of catastrophic missteps.

The arrival of AGI could force us to redefine what it means to be human. As machines excel at tasks we once considered uniquely ours, we must focus on the qualities that make us irreplaceable—empathy, connection, and curiosity. Perhaps the ultimate purpose of AGI isn’t to solve our problems for us but to free us to explore the deepest questions of existence. This is a rare moment in history where we can design the future, not just react to it. Let’s make it count.

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Conclusion

What AGI will do is far from a simple question of technical prowess—it’s a tapestry woven with threads of innovation, ethics, and profound societal change. As we stand on the brink of this transformative frontier, the decisions we make now will define not just what AGI becomes but what humanity chooses to be.

What AGI will do depends as much on us as on the technology itself. It’s a mirror reflecting our aspirations, fears, and potential. The real question isn’t just what AGI will become but what we want humanity to become alongside it. The decisions we make today—on ethics, governance, and access—will echo for generations. It’s an exciting and humbling challenge, one that demands the best of us.