Cloud mind uploading? Anthropic CEO envisions AGI-driven utopian world — but it’ll vastly demand trillions in computing power and data centers as earlier predicted by OpenAI’s Sam Altman

Cloud mind uploading? Anthropic CEO envisions AGI-driven utopian world — but it'll vastly demand trillions in computing power and data centers as earlier predicted by OpenAI's Sam Altman

What you need to know

  • Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently posted a blog post highlighting his thoughts on the trajectory of generative AI, including the alleviation of poverty and expedited medical breakthroughs from 100 years to a mere decade.
  • The CEO outlines the vast resources required to bring his vision to fruition, including billions of dollars for computing power and trillions for building data centers.
  • Anthropic is reportedly seeking to push its market valuation to $40 billion through a fresh funding round. 

As someone who has witnessed the rapid evolution of technology throughout my career, I find myself both awestruck and apprehensive as I delve deeper into the realm of generative AI. The potential benefits are undeniably profound – from expediting medical breakthroughs to alleviating poverty, the possibilities seem almost limitless. However, the staggering costs associated with these advancements leave me feeling like a bystander at the world’s most expensive game of Monopoly.


Delving further into the AI train’s tunnel, it’s increasingly evident that this journey comes with a substantial price tag. To put it into perspective, OpenAI shells out around $700,000 each day just to keep ChatGPT operational. This figure doesn’t account for the significant costs associated with AI model training and employee salaries. It’s plausible that these high expenses are contributing to the speculation about a potential increase in OpenAI’s subscription fee for its future-generation AI models, which could rise as high as $2000 per month.

Due to its ongoing expenditures in funding advanced AI technology, ChatGPT is currently facing a tough situation, much like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently proposed an extravagant plan that would need $7 trillion and numerous years to construct 36 semiconductor plants and additional data centers to meet the demands. Although an OpenAI representative denied the company’s involvement in multi-trillion-dollar projects, this highlights the high costs associated with AI advancements.

Similar to Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, expresses comparable aspirations regarding artificial general intelligence (AGI), as he recently discussed on his Machines of Loving Grace blog. According to Amodei’s views, AGI could potentially speed up medical advancements from a century to just ten years, resulting in significant strides in tackling illnesses such as PTSD and depression more effectively.

From my perspective, it seems like a compelling idea on paper, yet there’s an extensive list of tasks ahead, such as securing investors and amassing colossal amounts of capital – hundreds of billions for training Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) models alone. Amodei suggests that AGI could potentially be a fireproof solution to global poverty. However, the CEO adds another significant challenge: the need for trillions of dollars’ worth of data centers to materialize this vision.

In my line of work as an analyst, I’ve come to realize the significant energy and water requirements that generative AI systems demand. To put it into perspective, tech giants like Microsoft and Google consume power equivalent to over a hundred nations. Shockingly, even models such as OpenAI’s GPT-3 are found to use four times more cooling water than initially estimated.

According to Anthropic’s CEO:

As an analyst, I must acknowledge that predicting the future, especially with regards to advanced AI, involves a significant degree of uncertainty and imprecision. The impact of such technology on our world may surpass the unpredictability we’ve experienced with past technological advancements. Consequently, all of my assumptions and predictions about this matter are inherently speculative.

It’s uncertain whether this vision of the world can become a reality, but if it does, it won’t be easily attained without tremendous effort and perseverance from countless courageous and committed individuals. Everyone, including AI companies, must play their role in minimizing potential risks and maximizing the advantages for the best possible outcome.

This news follows Sam Altman, from OpenAI, predicting superintelligence might be just a few thousand days in the future. Anthropic is attempting to secure funding for its AI developments through a funding round, potentially valuing the company at over $40 billion. Amodei has also emphasized the potential dangers AI could pose to humanity.

He noted that it’s uncertain whether this vision of the world is feasible, but if it is, it won’t come easily; it requires immense effort and resilience from numerous courageous and committed individuals. It’s crucial for everyone – including AI companies – to contribute their share in mitigating risks and maximizing the potential benefits.

Sophisticated AI advances cost a ton

Cloud mind uploading? Anthropic CEO envisions AGI-driven utopian world — but it'll vastly demand trillions in computing power and data centers as earlier predicted by OpenAI's Sam Altman

Over time, a growing number of individuals and entities have adopted and merged generative AI into their processes to boost productivity and performance in various fields such as healthcare, education, tech, entertainment, among others. This integration has spurred quick technological advancements, however, it’s important to note that there are significant challenges that need attention.

Reports indicated that OpenAI was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, forecasted to lose around $5 billion over the next year. Yet, fortunately, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and other significant investors like Thrive Capital took part in the latest financing round for the creators of ChatGPT, injecting a substantial $6.6 billion to prevent collapse. As a result, their market value surged to an impressive $157 billion.

It was revealed in a recent report that OpenAI could potentially spend around $44 billion before turning a profit in 2029. This prediction is based on its intricate, multi-billion dollar partnership with Microsoft. Meanwhile, investors are expressing apprehension about Microsoft’s investments in AI initiatives as they strive to achieve profitability in the emerging artificial intelligence marketplace.

Market analysts and specialists believe that investors may grow weary of investing in the unpredictable artificial intelligence sector, preferring instead to direct their funds elsewhere. This potential trend could potentially lead Microsoft to acquire OpenAI within the following three years.

In an effort to shield itself from hostile takeovers and external control, the creators of ChatGPT are considering a public benefit framework that might undermine their original purpose. OpenAI faces increasing pressure as they may be forced to return funds raised by investors in their recent funding round if they fail to transform into a profit-driven company within the next two years.

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2024-10-17 16:39