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'No idea whether we can stay in control': AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton receives Nobel Prize

Dec 11, 2024 - financialpost.com
Geoffrey Hinton, a British Canadian computer scientist often referred to as the "godfather of AI," received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence, specifically for developing the Boltzmann machine in the 1980s. This machine, which learns from examples rather than instructions, laid the groundwork for neural networks that mimic the human brain's structure and functions. Hinton's contributions have significantly influenced AI's development, impacting fields like physics, chemistry, and medicine. Despite his achievements, Hinton has expressed concerns about AI's potential dangers, including bias, joblessness, and existential threats, advocating for research focused on AI safety.

Hinton's Nobel win was celebrated by students and colleagues at the University of Toronto, where he is a professor emeritus. His work has inspired many, including notable figures like OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever. Hinton plans to use part of his Nobel prize money to support charitable causes, including boosting Indigenous access to water. Although he doesn't regret his contributions to AI, Hinton wishes he had considered safety implications earlier and now focuses on advocating for responsible AI development.

Key takeaways:

  • Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on neural networks, which laid the foundation for modern AI.
  • Hinton's development of the Boltzmann machine in the 1980s was crucial in demonstrating that neural networks could learn from examples and recognize patterns in data.
  • Despite his groundbreaking work, Hinton has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of AI, including bias, fake news, and the risk of losing control over digital beings.
  • Hinton plans to focus on advocating for AI safety research and has pledged part of his Nobel Prize money to charities supporting water access and neurodiverse young adults.
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