New Microsoft Team to Build Smarter-Than-Human AI for Medical Diagnostics

Microsoft has announced the formation of a new research team, the MAI Superintelligence Team, to develop AI that outperforms humans in various areas, starting with medical diagnostics. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI chief, told Reuters that the initiative will focus on creating what he calls "humanist superintelligence" that serves human interests and solves real-world problems.

Suleyman said Microsoft plans to invest heavily in the effort and staff it with both existing researchers and new recruits. Computer scientist and Google DeepMind researcher Karen Simonyan will serve as the team's chief scientist. The company has not disclosed whether it will use large financial incentives or hiring bonuses, such as those offered by Meta, to attract AI experts.

According to Suleyman, Microsoft does not plan to pursue an "infinitely capable generalist" AI. He said he doubts that fully autonomous, self-improving systems could be kept under control. Instead, the company hopes to develop ...