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What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)?

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Quick answer

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a hypothetical AI that can understand, learn, and perform any intellectual task a human can, across any domain. Today's AI is 'narrow' — great at specific tasks but not generally capable. AGI would match human flexibility across all kinds of tasks.

Key things to understand

  1. AGI would match human flexibility across all kinds of tasks.
  2. Current AI is 'narrow' — powerful but specialized (e.g., chess, translation).
  3. AGI does not exist yet; experts disagree on if and when it will.
  4. It raises major questions about safety, jobs, and control.

People also ask

What's the difference between AI and AGI?
Today's AI is narrow (good at specific tasks); AGI would be broadly capable across any task, like a human.
Does AGI exist?
No — current systems, including large language models, are narrow AI, not general intelligence.
Why is AGI important?
It could transform society and raises serious safety and alignment questions, which is why it's heavily researched and debated.

Part of the guide: How AI Works →