OpenAI CEO on the future of programming | Sam Altman and Lex Fridman

Summary

Looking into the future of programming, the landscape is expected to transform significantly, with a potential shift towards natural language coding and a departure from traditional methods like bytecode or punch cards. This evolution could redefine the skill set and predisposition required for programmers, emphasizing puzzle-solving abilities and adaptability across multiple tools, including traditional languages like C and natural language interfaces. The discussion also touches on the future of humanoid robots and embodied AI, highlighting OpenAI's interest in returning to robotics. This shift towards more physical-world applications of AI could change how tasks are performed, aiming to reduce human physical involvement in task execution.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The future of programming is expected to evolve significantly, with humans potentially programming in natural language.
• 🔍 The nature of programming will change, rendering certain current practices obsolete, similar to how punch cards are no longer used.
• 🤖 The skillset required for programmers will adapt, but the core abilities like problem-solving will remain crucial.
• 🏹 Highly skilled practitioners will likely use a variety of tools, including natural language and lower-level languages like C when necessary.
• 🤔 The transition to new technologies raises questions about the predispositions and characteristics of future programmers.
• 🚀 Embodied AI, such as humanoid robots, is considered important for interacting with the physical world beyond just AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).
• 📈 Open AI has a history in robotics and may return to developing physical robots in the future, despite past challenges.
• 🤖 The development of robots is seen as a positive step towards advancing technology, not as a means to turn humans into robots.
• 🔮 The future holds a mix of inspiration and caution as the industry continues to explore the potential of AI and robotics.

Q & A

How do you envision the future of human programming in the next 5 to 10 years?

The future of human programming is expected to change significantly, with humans potentially programming entirely in natural language. The nature of programming will evolve, moving away from traditional coding methods, similar to how punch cards are no longer used today.

What programming languages might become obsolete or less common in the future?

Languages like Fortran, which are currently hard to find developers for, may become obsolete or less commonly used as programming evolves and new languages or paradigms emerge.

How will the skill set of programmers change with the advent of natural language programming?

The skill set of programmers will shift to focus more on problem-solving and the ability to communicate effectively in natural language. Technical coding skills may still be necessary for specific tasks, but the emphasis will be on broader, more versatile skills.

What are the challenges in achieving the last 1% of a programming task?

Achieving the last 1% in programming can be challenging due to the need for fine-tuning and optimization. It often requires a deep understanding of the problem and the tools at hand, as well as a high level of expertise in the specific domain.

How do top practitioners in any field typically approach their work?

Top practitioners in any field often use a combination of tools and methods. They may work in natural language for some tasks and switch to a more technical language like C when necessary, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in their approach.

What is embodied AI and why is it important for the future?

Embodied AI refers to artificial intelligence that is integrated into physical forms, such as robots. It's important because it allows AI to interact directly with the physical world, which can be essential for tasks that require physical manipulation or movement.

What is OpenAI's stance on the development of humanoid robots?

OpenAI has a history of working in robotics and believes that humanoid robots will be developed at some point in the future. The organization sees value in creating robots that can perform tasks in the physical world, rather than relying solely on human labor.

Why is the return to developing robots seen as both inspiring and menacing?

The return to developing robots is seen as inspiring because it represents technological progress and potential advancements in AI and robotics. However, it can also be seen as menacing due to concerns about job displacement, ethical implications, and the potential for misuse of such technology.

What is the significance of the phrase 'we will return to robots' in the context of the discussion?

The phrase 'we will return to robots' signifies a renewed focus on robotics as a field, indicating a shift back to this area of research and development after a period of less emphasis or for different reasons in the past.

How does the discussion suggest the future role of AI in physical tasks?

The discussion suggests that in the future, AI will play a more significant role in performing physical tasks, potentially through the use of humanoid robots. This could lead to a phase change in how we interact with technology and how tasks are completed in the physical world.