Elon Musk Quietly Launches New AI Startup X.AI
Image credit : WSJ
Overview
Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, is entering the artificial intelligence (AI) arena with a new startup, X.AI, set to compete with OpenAI, according to recent reports. In this article, we delve into the motivations behind Musk's move and explore the potential implications for the AI industry.
Elon Musk is reportedly launching a new artificial intelligence (AI) startup called X.AI, which will directly compete with OpenAI, as revealed by the Wall Street Journal. Musk incorporated X.AI in Nevada last month, authorizing the sale of 100 million shares for the privately-held company. State filings indicate that Musk is the sole director, while Jared Birchall, a close associate and director of Musk's family office, serves as the company's secretary.
The Financial Times also reported on Musk's new AI venture, stating that he has been recruiting AI researchers and engineers from leading AI firms, including Alphabet-owned DeepMind. The report further suggests that Musk has discussed potential investments in X.AI with several investors from SpaceX and Tesla.
The new company's name, X.AI, aligns with Musk's previously announced ambition to create an everything app called X. Recently, he renamed Twitter to X Corp and relocated its incorporation from Delaware to Nevada. X Corp operates under a parent company named X Holdings Corp.
Musk's foray into the AI industry comes after expressing concerns about the potential dangers of AI and the necessity for regulation and oversight. In 2015, he co-founded OpenAI with a group of influential tech entrepreneurs and researchers. The organization aimed to develop AI that would benefit humanity without causing harm or being swayed by corporate or political agendas.
In 2018, Musk reportedly attempted but failed to take over OpenAI. He subsequently left OpenAI's board, citing potential conflicts of interest with Tesla's AI development for self-driving cars. Musk has also criticized OpenAI for pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI), which refers to machines' ability to perform any intellectual task that humans can.
Recently, Business Insider reported that Musk had acquired around 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) for his new AI project. GPUs are commonly used by tech companies to manage the computational workload required by advanced AI technology.
OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman responded to the Wall Street Journal report with a one-word statement via his Twitter account: "Concerning.", followed by "laughing emoji". source