In recent years, the development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, robotics, and synthetic biology has profoundly transformed society. These innovations represent an extraordinary promise for human progress but also pose significant challenges that require immediate attention.
Throughout history, every technological advance has generated both opportunities and risks. Sometimes, I compare the emergence of Artificial Intelligence to the advent of the printing press (although I must admit I made the same comparison when the internet emerged).
Indeed, Gutenberg’s invention (1440) revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and promoted literacy, playing a key role in the emergence of “The Enlightenment” a few centuries later (1685–1815), which spurred the Industrial Revolution and the adoption of new political systems and the modern organization of the economy.
In the words of McAfee and Brinjolfsson, we are now living in the “second machine age.” While the Industrial Revolution increased our capacity to manipulate matter and atoms, current technologies are amplifying our ability to process information.
A fundamental shift in this new era is the use of Large Language Models (LLMs). Until recently, these systems required databases curated by humans to learn.
More recently, LLMs have become capable of self-processing enormous amounts of data without direct intervention, raising questions about their ability to generate strategies and original thinking, even surpassing human capabilities in some cases.
However, recent reports (by specialized media) indicate a return to the need for “curators”, an apparent requirement by OpenAI for developing ChatGPT 5.
The year 2024 has been crucial for artificial intelligence (AI), marking milestones that are transforming various sectors and everyday life. From scientific discoveries to technological innovations and new practical applications, these advances highlight the potential and challenges of AI in today’s context.
One of the year’s most notable events was the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Demis Hassabis and John Michael Jumper for their development of AlphaFold2, an AI capable of predicting the three-dimensional structure of nearly all known proteins. This breakthrough has revolutionized biotechnology and medicine, enabling the creation of personalized therapies and innovative treatments.
Elon Musk, through his startup xAI, introduced Colossus, a supercomputer equipped with 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs. This system, designed to train AI models, has set a new standard in the field, establishing Musk as a leader in advanced technology.
From the Chinese University of Hong Kong comes a revolutionary breakthrough: an artificial neuron capable of processing information a billion times faster than a biological neuron. This development promises to impact advanced computing, neuroscience, and robotics.
AI continues to integrate into daily life. One of the most significant implementations is the arrival of ChatGPT on WhatsApp, enabling direct interaction with language models through the world’s most popular messaging app. Also noteworthy are AI-generated sports videos, such as the innovative projects by surfer Kai Gale Grani.
China has advanced the production of 1,000 humanoid robots designed for domestic and industrial tasks, marking a significant step toward advanced automation.
However, not all is progress. In 2023, over a thousand scientists signed an open letter calling for a moratorium on the development of artificial intelligence, citing risks associated with a lack of regulation. The primary concern is that these technologies could evolve into uncontrolled, potentially dangerous intelligence superior to humans.
Mostafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, proposes a regulatory framework based on “concentric circles,” implementing safety protocols and audits to deactivate technologies that spiral out of control. He also suggests using bottlenecks to slow dangerous developments, allowing for greater understanding before moving forward.
This approach could benefit from schemes applied in fields such as climate change, where international cooperation has been key to establishing common goals. In the case of AI, collaboration among governments, companies, and consumers will be essential to avoid regulatory gaps and ensure safe development.
The year 2024 has proven to be a transformative one in the field of artificial intelligence, with advancements that are redefining industries and posing new ethical and regulatory challenges. As this technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to ensure it is used for collective benefit, avoiding inequalities and minimizing risks. Balancing innovation and regulation is challenging but indispensable to ensure responsible and sustainable technological development.
