Sam Altman says OpenAI will have a ‘legitimate AI researcher’ by 2028

Sam Altman is betting that artificial intelligence will evolve so rapidly in the next four years that machines will surpass human researchers in their ability to discover fundamental breakthroughs—a claim that hinges on OpenAI's own technology advancing faster than most experts believe possible. If true, the prediction would upend the AI industry's entire business model, which currently depends on human talent to build and improve the systems generating billions in revenue. Altman's timeline also raises an uncomfortable question: if AI can do cutting-edge research by 2028, what happens to the scientists and engineers whose expertise justifies their premium salaries and stock options?

TechCrunch·Oct 29