Delmy Belknap
Jul 13, 2023 - 04:10

Elon Musk Teams up with Google and OpenAI Researchers to Launch New AI Company: xAI

Billionaire Elon Musk forms new AI company, xAI, to "understand reality."

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk recently announced the formation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) company called xAI. The company aims to "understand reality" and has already hired researchers from top technology firms like Google and OpenAI. While xAI is a separate entity from Musk's other businesses, such as Tesla and Twitter, it will collaborate closely with them.

Musk is no stranger to AI, as Tesla already incorporates the technology into its vehicles. Although xAI has not revealed specific projects, it boasts a team of 11 researchers with backgrounds in Microsoft Research, DeepMind, OpenAI, and Google.

Interestingly, Musk chose July 12, 2023, to announce the launch of xAI, citing a reference to Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." In a tweet, he noted that the date 7-12-23 adds up to 42, which the novel famously suggests is the answer to life.

According to the xAI website, the company's ultimate goal is to comprehend the true nature of the universe. To ensure safety and ethical considerations, xAI will seek advice from Dan Hendrycks, director of the Center for AI Safety. Hendrycks has previously warned about the potential risks of AI, including the creation of bioweapons and the release of rogue AI that could harm humanity.

Musk's unveiling of xAI aligns with his previous statements about the dangers AI could pose to humanity. He has expressed concerns about the existential risks associated with advanced AI systems. Musk believes that developing an AI that seeks to understand humanity will reduce the likelihood of it becoming a threat.

Earlier this year, Musk joined other tech leaders in advocating for a six-month pause in the development of more powerful AI systems. This call came as Musk had already been working on starting his own AI company, as revealed in Nevada business records.

In summary, Elon Musk's new AI company, xAI, aims to delve into the true nature of reality. With a team of talented researchers and a focus on safety, xAI is set to contribute to the advancement of AI technology while addressing potential risks. Musk's vision for an AI that seeks to understand humanity reflects his concerns about the potential dangers associated with advanced AI systems.