Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind SpaceX, Tesla, and social media platform X, recently unveiled his bold views on the future of artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, and global connectivity at the 27th annual Global Conference organized by the Milken Institute.
AI: A Future Dominated by Digital Intelligence
During his onstage appearance, Musk made a startling prediction about the trajectory of AI. He stated, "Intelligence that is biological will be less than 1 per cent," projecting a future where digital intelligence overwhelmingly surpasses human intelligence. "The percentage of intelligence that is biological grows smaller with each passing month," Musk emphasized, pointing out the rapid advancements that digital technologies continue to make.
While acknowledging the current limitations of AI, Musk also noted its potential, stating, "Biological intelligence can serve as a backstop, as a buffer of intelligence. But in percentage, almost all intelligence will be digital."
Vision for Space: Beyond Science Fiction
Musk's enthusiasm for making life multi-planetary was palpable as he discussed his goals for space exploration. "We want to make science fiction, not fiction forever. Let’s make life multi-planetary and a space-bearing civilization, be out there among the stars," he proclaimed. He reflected on SpaceX's major advancements, such as launching the first commercial spacecraft, the Dragon capsule, to the ISS in 2012, and developing the first recoverable first-stage booster for an orbital mission in 2015, which significantly reduced launch costs.
Navigating the Regulatory Terrain
Musk expressed concern over the burgeoning regulatory environment which he believes could stymie technological progress. He argued, "Year after year, there are more laws and regulations passed, and more regulatory bodies created. Eventually, everything will be illegal," advocating for a simplification of outdated regulations. However, he balanced this by affirming the need for oversight in AI development, stating, "Having a referee is a good thing" to mitigate potential risks, echoing his earlier calls for cautious AI advancement.
Starlink's Global Impact
Discussing Starlink, Musk highlighted the significant economic potential of expanding internet access through his network of satellites. "I think Starlink will actually move the GDP of countries," Musk claimed, underscoring the importance of connectivity in fostering educational opportunities and business growth, especially in remote areas. He also noted Starlink's crucial role during crises, such as during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where it provided essential communication channels.
