OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has revealed plans to create a “fundamentally new type of computer” that would deliver what he calls “transcendentally good” artificial intelligence.
Speaking on the Hard Fork Podcast, Mr Altman suggested the new hardware would be unlike current digital assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa. “It’s been a long time since the world has gotten a fundamentally new kind of computer,” he said. “Let us try.”
Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s chief operating officer, explained that the company wants to build AI with deep contextual understanding. He said the technology would need “a ton of context and a ton of awareness” to craft exactly the right response in any situation.
“Imagine that now in kind of any arbitrary situation and wanting to have that with you all the time,” Mr Lightcap said. “I think that’s a very compelling direction for this type of hardware.”
The announcement comes as the technology market faces criticism for offering only minor updates to existing devices. OpenAI has previously launched major AI products including ChatGPT, GPT-3 and DALL-E, which have gained millions of users worldwide.
Mr Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 alongside other technologists including Elon Musk. The company has stated its mission is to develop artificial general intelligence that benefits humanity.
OpenAI is reportedly working with designer Jony Ive on new hardware projects, though specific details about the new computer remain undisclosed.
