Are we really ready for AGI?

Hey there,

Prabal here from Sentient Signals.

In the first issue, I wanted to talk to you about AGI—artificial general intelligence. If you’re like me, you’ve been watching the AI space with a mix of awe, curiosity, and maybe a little apprehension. Sam Altman’s latest blog hit me hard, and I think it will do the same to you.

The idea of AGI isn’t science fiction anymore. Sam’s post bring home how close we are to systems that don’t just perform tasks but actually reason, adapt, and solve problems like humans do. It’s both exciting and a little intimidating—a real turning point.

What the hell is AGI?

At its core, AGI—or artificial general intelligence—is a type of AI that’s not limited to specific tasks. Unlike the AI tools we’re familiar with, like chatbots or recommendation engines, AGI would be capable of understanding, learning, and reasoning across a wide variety of domains—just like a human.

Think of it this way: most AI today is like a calculator—excellent for specific problems but useless outside its domain. AGI, on the other hand, is like a brilliant, endlessly curious student who can pick up new skills, adapt to new challenges, and figure things out even without being explicitly taught.

I recently saw an AI tool that could analyze a video of someone cooking, identify the ingredients being used, and suggest a new recipe based on what’s in your fridge. Now imagine an AGI system—it wouldn’t just suggest recipes; it could learn your preferences, recommend a shopping list, and even coach you through a completely new cuisine in real time. That’s the leap we’re talking about. And this is a ‘safe’ example. Imagine if it had access to your private documents, conversations, and more? What happens when tomorrow we actually get an AGI that learns about the human in you with every conversation, and not just tasks you give it?

What does this mean for us?

Well, first of all, some people would say we’re f*cked. And I feel like them sometimes. But the key word here is ‘sometimes’.

We’re at a point where AI isn’t just about convenience anymore. It’s about reshaping industries, governments, and how we live our everyday lives. My dad had an accident a couple of years back where he lost most of his mobility in the left leg. After years of treatment and eight surgeries, today he cannot walk for more than 20 minutes before needing to sit down. I’ve often wondered if the treatment he received could have been better.

So, on the other days when I do feel like giving AGI a chance, I would if it means having better medical research, treatment plans, and not having to worry about losing people I know to cancer or other similar diseases. I don’t know how I feel about it at times, but I think we’d just have to hope for the best.

But here’s the thing—you, me, or anyone else can’t really stop this progress. AI is advancing toward more conscious, adaptable systems whether we’re ready for it or not. But what we can do is stay informed so we’re not caught off guard.

And that’s what it means for us. To be aware.

What’s next?

• AI co-workers: By 2025, Sam predicts AGI-powered agents will start contributing meaningfully in the workplace. Think of them as copilots for your most complex tasks.

• Superintelligence isn’t far off: While AGI is huge, the conversation is already shifting to what’s beyond—machines that surpass human intelligence. Crazy? Maybe. But it’s closer than you think.

• The path to sentience: If AGI can think and reason, could sentient AI be next? The philosophical and ethical questions here are enormous, and they’re no longer hypothetical. What rights might sentient AI have? How would we coexist? Would the day be finally here in the next 5 years where signals of sentience aren’t just signals anymore?

• Ethics will take center stage: Building AGI isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a moral one. How do we share its benefits and minimize risks? That’s the question everyone’s asking.

Sam Altman’s post make one thing clear—AGI isn’t just a possibility anymore. It’s a reality we’re actively shaping together. The path ahead is full with both immense opportunities and very hard challenges (at least for us as humans) —and perhaps even the seeds of a sentient future. If you feel like this doesn’t concern you because you probably don’t use AI that much, you couldn’t be more wrong. This is a transformative shift we’re talking about—one that will redefine how we live, work, and interact. Whether it’s shaping policies, debating ethics, or just staying informed, your voice matters in navigating this unprecedented change.

The question isn’t whether AGI will redefine our world, but how we can ensure that redefinition benefits us all. I’m here to help you make sense of these transformative times, one signal at a time.

🤖 ✨ This week in AI

Over the past week, several notable developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged, particularly during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. Let’s see what the fuss is all about:

Nvidia's AI Innovations:

Nvidia seems to have stolen the show, which they rightly should. Here are some incredible announcements from Nvidia at CES:

• GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs: Nvidia introduced its GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, powered by the new Blackwell AI chip, marking a significant advancement in computer graphics. (Source: Associated Press)

• Cosmos AI Models: The company unveiled Cosmos, a family of foundational AI models designed to train humanoid robots, industrial robots, and self-driving cars. Cosmos was trained on extensive footage of human activities to help robots better understand the physical world. (Source: Wired)

• Project Digits: Nvidia announced Project Digits, a personal AI supercomputer capable of running large language models independently, starting at $3,000 and available in May. (Source: Wired)

Samsung's AI Offerings: Samsung introduced its "Home AI" system, integrating various household devices into a single smart network responsive to individual users' needs. Additionally, Samsung presented AI-powered smart TVs with features like real-time subtitles and an AI-driven skincare mirror named Micro LED Beauty Mirror. (Source: New York Post)

Google's AI-Powered TV: Google showcased new AI tools for Google TV utilizing Gemini for more interactive user experiences, including an AI-powered TV that summarizes news content. (Source: TechCrunch)

Autonomous Vehicles: Nvidia announced collaborations with companies like Toyota for autonomous driving, aiming to advance self-driving car technology. (Source: The Australian)

Microsoft to Spend Billions on AI: Microsoft is set to invest approximately $80 billion in fiscal year 2025 to develop AI-enabled data centers, with over half of this investment directed towards the United States. Microsoft’s investment aims to drive innovation and productivity across various sectors of the economy, reinforcing the United States’ role at the forefront of this technological wave.

They have also announced a $3 billion investment over the next two years to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure in India, including the establishment of new data centers. The investment aims to establish new data centers and support India's ambition to become an "AI-first nation" by equipping 10 million people with AI skills by 2030.

Robotics: Several robots debuted at CES, including the emotional interaction robot Mirumi, the Mirokai robot for elderly care, and Tombot's realistic puppy robots, highlighting AI's expanding role in robotics. (Source: New York Post)

Consulting Industry: Generative AI is revolutionizing the consulting industry in Australia by significantly reducing employees' workloads, saving up to 7.5 hours a week for some. Major consulting firms have invested billions in AI technology, deploying custom-built virtual assistants similar to ChatGPT to enhance productivity and efficiency. (Source: The Australian)

University Curriculum Integration: Adelaide University (Australia) announced that all students would receive education in AI and data technologies to meet contemporary industry needs. Academic staff are actively transforming existing programs into future-focused content, modernizing degrees ahead of their launch next year. (Source: Adelaide Now)

That’s all for this issue!

Until next time,

Prabal from Sentient Signals.

 P.S. Got thoughts, questions, or ideas for Sentient Signals? Just hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.