At the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, presented his unyielding vision for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), speaking with CNN’s Richard Quest. With his signature optimism, Son described a future where superintelligent AI is central to human progress and global economic transformation.
A Singular Obsession: Realizing ASI
When asked by Quest about his “obsession” with artificial intelligence, Son made it clear that his life’s work now centers solely around achieving ASI — which he defines as intelligence 10,000 times that of the human brain. For Son, AGI, which matches human cognitive abilities, is simply a waypoint; ASI is the true frontier, a technology capable of surpassing human thought in profound ways. He envisions ASI as a tool that could elevate human society, transforming everything from labor to the economy to personal well-being. As Son put it, ASI has the potential to make humanity’s future "better and happier."
AGI, ASI, and the Path to 2035
Son is clear about the timeline for ASI: he believes it’s achievable by 2035. To him, AGI will be the stepping stone, but the end goal is intelligence that transcends human limitations. For Son, ASI has the potential to drive society into a new era of knowledge and capability.
This ambition is reflected in SoftBank’s current strategic investments, especially in ARM, a company he claims holds a dominant position in mobile phone chips and is now gearing up for AI-focused applications. Son sees ARM as a critical piece in the AI puzzle, and one that will power AI-centric devices and platforms worldwide.
Envisioning AI Robotics: A New Horizon
One of the most significant opportunities Son foresees is in AI-powered robotics. While robotics have traditionally focused on automating tasks, Son envisions a new breed of intelligent machines capable of dynamic problem-solving and collaboration with humans. In his vision, ASI-powered robots could transform sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and education, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve.
This ambitious vision of AI and robotics is not simply about automating the present but creating a future where robots think, learn, and contribute alongside humans.
Mitigating Risks: The Importance of Regulation
Son is mindful of the potential dangers of ASI, especially in the wrong hands. Quest challenged Son on the risks of such technology, particularly if exploited by malicious actors. Son agreed that while 99% of people would likely use ASI responsibly, the technology’s immense power makes it essential to have regulations in place. He likened ASI to the automotive industry, where regulation ensures public safety despite its transformative impact.
For Son, the sheer scale of investment required to create ASI serves as a natural barrier against misuse. ASI, as he envisions it, will require hundreds of billions of dollars in funding, making it difficult for rogue actors to harness its full potential. SoftBank, with its vast resources and technological ecosystem, is positioned to contribute to this effort responsibly.
The Investment of the Century: $9 Trillion for a New Era
Son envisions an investment scale rarely seen before — approximately $9 trillion over the next decade to develop and deploy ASI globally. He sees this as a transformative investment in the world’s future. To him, the potential economic returns from ASI could be staggering. Even in the most conservative estimates, he believes ASI could impact global GDP significantly, with a $9 trillion annual economic output covering its development costs within a year and delivering impressive profit margins.
In Son’s eyes, ASI is not only financially feasible but presents an economic opportunity that could redefine industries and create entirely new markets. By focusing on ASI, Son aims to position SoftBank at the forefront of this unprecedented economic shift.
The Journey of Reflection and Growth
Son’s commitment to ASI is rooted in a career marked by resilience. Reflecting on his journey, Son shared how past failures — including high-profile setbacks like WeWork — have only strengthened his resolve. He views these experiences as critical lessons that have helped him refine his strategy. After each challenge, Son retreats into periods of reflection, emerging with renewed focus and even bolder aspirations.
Masayoshi Son’s AI Legacy: Paving the Way for a Future with Superintelligence
Son’s outlook on AI is bold and optimistic. He sees ASI as an inevitable and essential step in human evolution, one that will shape economies, transform industries, and redefine human life. Through SoftBank’s investments in core AI infrastructure, robotics, and strategic AI-driven companies, Son is trying to contribute to the groundwork for this future.
In Son’s vision, AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner in human progress. His relentless pursuit of ASI reflects a belief that superintelligence, if guided responsibly, can unlock a future filled with potential, possibility, and prosperity. At #fII8, Son shared a vision that goes beyond technology, aiming instead at a reimagined world where AI serves as a powerful ally in the pursuit of a better future for all.
