What Does OpenAI's Sam Altman Mean When He Says AGI is Achievable?

OpenAI's CEO made bold claims about artificial general intelligence and the adoption of AI agents in 2025, but experts aren't quite convinced.
Nadia Huels · 4 days ago · 2 minutes read


Artificial Intelligence: A New Era of Innovation and Concern

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) on the Horizon

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has boldly proclaimed that his company has unlocked the secret to creating AGI. In 2025, he predicts, AI agents could join the workforce, marking a historic event in human-AI interaction.

However, experts are skeptical about Altman's timeline and vague definition of AGI. Humayun Sheikh of Fetch.ai cautions that current AI systems, despite passing certain benchmarks, lack true sentience.

The Quest for Superintelligence

Altman's aspirations extend beyond AGI to Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), where AI models surpass human capabilities in every task. While some share Altman's optimism, others believe it's a hype tactic to attract investors.

AI Agents Enter the Workforce

According to Altman, AI agents will begin working alongside humans this year. While this raises concerns about job displacement, experts predict it will take years before AI agents can handle complex decision-making tasks.

The Human Touch

Experts emphasize the importance of human-AI collaboration. AI agents can enhance efficiency and objectivity, but human creativity and expertise remain essential for decision-making.

Addressing Societal Implications

The integration of AI agents into society raises ethical and social implications. Research suggests that AI and humans must work together to ensure sustainable growth. Some companies have already replaced human workers with AI agents, raising concerns about job security.

Expert Quotes:

"We are now confident we can spin bullshit at unprecedented levels... We love our products, but we are here for the glorious next rounds of funding." Gary Marcus, AI researcher

"If Sam Altman says AGI is coming soon, then he probably has some data or business acumen to back up this claim." Harrison Seletsky, SPACE ID

Navigating the Future of AI

The future of AI remains uncertain. While some experts believe AGI and ASI are inevitable, others question their feasibility. Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: AI is rapidly evolving, and it's crucial to prepare for the societal changes it may bring.