What is artificial general intelligence?
Table of Contents
By: Amy Boyington, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán, Reviewed by: Jeff Le
Published: May 23, 2025
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that can think, learn, and solve problems like a person. While AI has come a long way over several decades, we still haven't been able to achieve AGI. However, experts, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, believe the technology may be able to pass human tests as soon as 2029.
Learn what sets today's artificial intelligence technology apart from AGI, and discover why now is the best time to strengthen your AI knowledge.
AI vs. AGI
Artificial intelligence
- Currently used
- Can't transfer knowledge between tasks
- Depends on human-defined rules for training
- Uses data and patterns to "understand"
Artificial general intelligence
- In development but not yet available
- Learns and applies knowledge across multiple tasks
- Makes decisions independently without rules
- Can understand context and nuance
What is needed for AI to become AGI?
For AI to become AGI, it would need to develop a broader range of human-like abilities, such as:
- Creativity: Creating original stories or ideas without relying on existing content or patterns.
- Problem solving and cognition: Analyzing unfamiliar situations, adapting to changes, and making decisions like a person would.
- Visual and audio perception: Understanding sights and sounds in real-world environments.
- Emotional intelligence: Recognizing, interpreting, and responding appropriately to human emotions, conversations, and behaviors.
- Fine motor skills: Mastering tasks, such as writing with a pencil or performing surgery, with precision using hands or tools.
Experts have considered several methods in their research into creating AGI and understanding it's risks. Examples of their approaches include:
- Universalist: Focuses on theoretical computation
- Connectionist: Recreates human brain structure and function
- Symbolic: Represents human thought through logic networks
There are many technologies driving the development of AGI, including:
- Deep learning and natural language processing: Helps machines interpret complex data and understand language, similar to human reasoning.
- Computer vision: Allows machines to understand visual information, much like the human eye-brain connection would.
- Generative AI: This technology is still in progress, but eventually it may help AGI create original content and respond to new information.
Keep in mind that high-quality data refinement and output requires more energy and data center outlay. How quickly companies and investors can meet these needs could determine the pace at which AI continues to evolve.
What can executives do about AGI?
To stay competitive as an executive or senior leader, you should understand how AI is modifying business strategies and talent needs, as well as how to integrate AI into your leadership.
According to the 2023 edX AI Survey, C-Suite executives believe that 47% of their workforce isn't prepared enough for the future of work, with many unable to find professionals with the necessary AI skills.
According to the World Economic Forum, employers expect 59 out of 100 employees will need training by 2030 to meet skill gap demands.
Job-seekers interested in tech careers are realizing that it's important to fill this gap. LinkedIn's 2023 Future of Work Report notes that the number of members who added AI skills to their profiles rose after the launch of ChatGPT from 7.7% between May-November 2022 to 13% between November 2023-June 2023.
Developing AI-driven leadership skills can help you guide your teams through rapid changes in technology and operations.
Use edX's online courses and programs to explore topics like AI data privacy and machine learning so you can grow as an AI leader and give your team the tools they need to succeed.
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