‘Godfather of AI’ Unveils Stark Probability of Artificial Intelligence Overpowering Humanity

AI ‘Godfather’ Geoffrey Hinton Warns of 1-in-5 Chance AI Could Take Over Humanity

Geoffrey Hinton, the Nobel laureate physicist known as the “godfather of AI,” has warned there is a 10–20% chance that artificial intelligence could eventually overpower humanity. In a recent CBS News interview, Hinton echoed Elon Musk’s concerns, comparing unchecked AI development to raising a tiger cub that might turn lethal as it grows.

Hinton’s groundbreaking work on neural networks—AI systems mimicking human brain processes—laid the foundation for modern tools like ChatGPT. Yet, he now urges caution as AI evolves rapidly toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), where machines surpass human capabilities.

AI’s Rising Power
Hinton predicts AI will revolutionize healthcare, diagnosing illnesses more accurately than doctors by analyzing vast datasets. “They’ll soon be better at reading X-rays and even act as superior family doctors,” he said. In education, AI tutors could accelerate learning by personalizing lessons based on individual needs.

Meanwhile, companies like Chinese automaker Chery are already merging AI with robotics. At Auto Shanghai 2025, a humanoid robot served drinks and interacted with visitors, hinting at a future where AI handles tasks from customer service to manual labor.

[Image: Geoffrey Hinton accepting his Nobel Prize]
[Image: Chery’s humanoid robot at Auto Shanghai 2025]

The AGI Countdown
AGI—machines smarter than humans in all tasks—could arrive soon. MIT physicist Max Tegmark forecasts AGI before the end of a potential second Trump term, while Hinton estimates 5–20 years. Tegmark warns AGI could either solve global crises or trigger catastrophe if unregulated.

Profits Over Safety?
Hinton criticizes tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and Musk’s xAI for prioritizing profit over safety. He argues companies should allocate a third of their computing power to AI safety research. Despite their public warnings, firms like Google have backtracked on pledges to avoid military AI applications, partnering with Israel’s Defense Forces post-October 2023 attacks.

[Image: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Google CEO Sundar Pichai]

A Global Priority
Hinton leads the 2023 “Statement on AI Risk,” signed by tech leaders including Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis, urging governments to treat AI risks as seriously as pandemics or nuclear war. “Mitigating extinction from AI must be a global priority,” the statement reads.

While AI promises transformative benefits, Hinton stresses vigilance: “Unless we’re sure AI won’t harm us, we must act now.”

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(Note: Image captions and placements are suggested based on original content.)