’What will people do in the year 2050, given the enormous intellectual power computers are likely to have?’: The man Google calls the spiritual father of AI asked big questions in 1991 — 35 years later, we’re still wrestling with the answers (www.techradar.com)

In a retrospective look at his impactful 1991 interview, Ray Kurzweil, often considered the "spiritual father of AI," reflected on the evolution of artificial intelligence and its societal implications. He criticized narrow perceptions of AI's capabilities and predicted that as technology advanced, most software would eventually possess intelligent functions, although it may not always be labeled as AI. Today, technologies like image recognition and automated decision-making have become so integrated into everyday life that they often escape the “AI” designation, emphasizing Kurzweil's point that familiarity can dilute the perception of progress. As we stand on the brink of an AI-driven future, Kurzweil's insights regarding cognitive tasks—particularly in pattern recognition and decision-making—ring true. He expressed that while machines could excel in specific areas, their limitations in context remain a significant hurdle. Furthermore, his cautionary reflections on the philosophical implications of AI consciousness and the future of work raise important questions within the AI/ML community. Kurzweil's argument that future roles for humans may evolve alongside increasingly capable machines remains pertinent, leaving us to ponder the balance between technological advancement and employment in light of the immense intellectual power of computers projected for 2050.