Key facts
- AI is expected to find cures for cancer that are beyond human capability in our lifetimes.
- Humanoid robots powered by AI are anticipated to become widespread within the next five years.
- The rapid growth of AI development is currently being hampered by a shortage of specialized chips.
- Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas is skeptical about the UK's ability to manufacture chips domestically.
- Arm's AGI chip has experienced significant demand, exceeding $2 billion since its launch in March.
Rene Haas, chief executive of Arm Holdings, the largest UK-headquartered technology firm, has stated that artificial intelligence will discover cures for cancer that humans cannot achieve in their lifetimes. Haas believes that while current problems like modeling DNA markers impacted by cancer are too complex for humans and existing computers, AI will solve them as models and computing power advance.
Haas also predicted that AI will lead to the widespread adoption of humanoid robots within the next five years, capable of performing tasks in manufacturing, cleaning, and security. However, he acknowledged that the current rapid growth of AI is being impeded by a shortage of the specialized chips required for data centers. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the UK manufacturing these chips domestically, citing the high costs, specialized labor, and resource requirements involved, and the established ecosystem around Taiwanese giant TSMC.
Arm designs the central processing units for microchips used globally in billions of devices. The company's peak share price earlier this summer, driven by the AI boom, made it the most valuable UK-based company in cash terms. Haas, who stepped down from the board of AstraZeneca in April, shared these views in an interview with the BBC.
Professor Chris Bakal from the Institute of Cancer Research suggested that the future of medical AI will depend on the quality of data fed into it, rather than the size of the computer, noting that AI trained on patient-specific data generated in labs does not require massive data centers. This approach could significantly reduce the time needed to develop new treatments.
Addressing concerns about job losses due to AI, Haas suggested that while some workforce changes are inevitable, the extent of job displacement is likely overstated, with new opportunities emerging. He also dismissed fears of a market correction for AI companies, citing sustained long-term demand. Arm's power-efficient technology is currently used in half of the world's AI data centers, and demand for its AGI chip has been exceptionally high since its March launch.