Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most fascinating and disruptive technologies of our time. It is defined as a computer program capable of learning and improving independently, distinguishing it from other programs that follow fixed instructions. In this article, we will explore an intriguing aspect of AI: its ability to create other AI. Join us on this journey to better understand how AI can give birth to new artificial intelligence and what this advancement entails in the world of technology.
Since 2017, we have witnessed an intriguing phenomenon in the field of artificial intelligence: the ability of an AI to give rise to other AIs, often referred to as "AI offspring." However, it is important to note that this process does not occur independently. In most cases, AIs that can create other AIs are specifically designed for this purpose and receive the necessary training to carry out this task. The current process raises the fundamental question of whether AI is capable of self-generation or if it will always depend on human direction for its evolution.
To better understand this phenomenon, it is essential to delve into two approaches to learning in artificial intelligence: supervised learning and unsupervised learning. The former involves a process in which AI learns from a predefined dataset and typically has a clearly established goal. In contrast, unsupervised learning is characterised by the absence of predefined objectives; AI learns without specific direction. These two approaches are essential for understanding how AIs can generate other AIs and whether they can do so autonomously.
In supervised learning, we have observed that AIs can indeed learn to create other AIs. This process involves AI being trained by humans with a specific goal in mind. When AI achieves this goal, it is considered successful in its supervised learning. In this sense, we have succeeded in having AI generate new AIs through human direction and training. Following this process raises the question of whether these generated AIs can, in turn, create other AIs or if their capacity is limited to specific tasks designed by humans.
While we have seen examples of AIs creating other AIs, it is essential to clarify that these generated AIs are, essentially, highly specialised algorithms. Unlike what is often depicted in science fiction, where AI is portrayed as an entity with consciousness, morality, and astonishing abilities, the reality of AI in the present world is more pragmatic. Modern AIs are advanced and highly efficient algorithms specialised in specific tasks. Any AI they generate will also be an algorithm designed for a particular function. An example of this is Google's "AutoML."
Google, one of the leading companies in AI development, has made significant advancements in this field with its "AutoML" technology. The creation of AutoML stemmed from a challenge that Google faced: the demand for time and human resources in building machine learning algorithms. From the outset, Google had a clear objective: to create an AI capable of assisting in constructing other AIs, specifically machine learning models. AutoML was designed with this purpose in mind, and through training, it learned to develop machine learning algorithms that are equally effective as those created by humans.
What makes AutoML even more impressive is that the "AI offspring" it generates are often more accurate than those developed by humans. Additionally, as part of the work is performed by the primary AI rather than human programmers, the process becomes less labour-intensive.
A notable example of AutoML in action is the development of NASNet, an AI offspring explicitly created for object recognition. NASNet proved 1.2% more effective in its task than any other existing system. While these achievements are impressive and demonstrate the potential of AI to generate highly specialised AI offspring, we are still far from achieving the goal of matching or surpassing human intelligence.
Despite their utility in specific tasks, AI offspring like NASNet are far from emulating human intelligence in its entirety. Google's approach through AutoML is promising and is available in the current market for training customised machine learning models.
Unsupervised learning in AI has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, suggesting the possibility of AI learning to generate other AIs autonomously. One of the most intriguing examples of this advancement is the "Paired Open-Ended Trailblazer" (POET) algorithm. POET is a system developed by Uber's AI division and is characterised by its open-ended approach. Instead of having a specific goal, POET continuously generates new environments and challenges for AI agents to overcome.
In this approach, there is no predefined objective, and AI agents learn to solve problems posed by ongoing obstacles. Once a problem is solved, a new one is created. This system could function indefinitely, constantly generating new problems and, thus, new solutions. This opens the possibility that, in the future, one of these solutions may be the autonomous creation of a new AI.
Quantum computing has the potential to address computational and energy challenges in AI. Therefore, quantum computing emerges as a critical element in the evolution of artificial intelligence. While it is still developing, the relationship between quantum computing and AI holds promise. This connection could answer the question: When will AI be able to create other AIs independently?
Until now, the creation of AI by AI has been a challenge, primarily requiring human oversight. However, advancements in unsupervised learning and quantum computing could radically change this scenario.
The autonomy of AI to create other AIs is continually evolving. Although we still need to guide this process, the potential for a radical transformation in technology and artificial intelligence is undeniable. The synergy between quantum computing and AI could pave the way for a new chapter in the history of technology.
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