An AI pioneer says the technology is 'limited' and won't replace humans soon (www.nbcnews.com)

Renowned AI expert Andrew Ng recently emphasized the limitations of current AI technologies during an interview at the AI Developers Conference. While he acknowledges the remarkable capabilities AI has achieved, he cautions against the belief that it will soon replace human roles or lead to artificial general intelligence (AGI). Ng draws attention to the complex and manual processes required for AI training, asserting that a significant gap remains before reaching AGI. He also warns of a potential bubble in AI investments fueled by hype, advocating for a more measured approach that prioritizes transparency and regulatory frameworks focused on AI’s long-term benefits. Ng's insights are particularly significant for the AI/ML community as they highlight a balanced perspective amid a frenzy of development and investment. He recognizes that while there are considerable risks—especially in mental health and coding sectors—the ongoing demand for AI applications will continue to grow, especially in areas like inference. He predicts a shift in the workforce as more people embrace coding, facilitated by advancements in AI tools. Notably, Ng notes that the burgeoning field of voice-related AI and "agentic AI" holds substantial promise, urging the industry to pay attention to their evolving role in social and commercial contexts.