Definition

AGI is the idea of an AI that can do anything a person can—reason, solve new problems, learn skills, and adapt in real time. Unlike today’s AI, which is built for specific tasks, AGI would have flexible, human-like intelligence across all areas.

Example

An AGI could learn a new language, solve a math problem, and give business advice—all without retraining.

How It’s Used in AI

AGI doesn’t exist yet, but it's a major goal for AI researchers. It’s discussed in fields like philosophy, ethics, and safety. Some believe we’re decades away; others think it's just around the corner. Leading AI labs like OpenAI and DeepMind are working on building systems that could one day become AGI.

Brief History

The idea of AGI goes back to early computing in the 1950s, when scientists imagined machines that could truly "think." The term became popular in the 2000s to distinguish it from narrow AI, which is limited to specific tasks.

Key Tools or Models

There are no true AGI models today. However, advanced systems like GPT-4, Gemini, Claude, and DeepMind's Gato are sometimes seen as early steps toward AGI due to their broad capabilities.

Pro Tip

AGI is still theoretical. When reading claims about AGI, check the evidence carefully—many systems are just strong narrow AI.